Vishwam Sankaran

Scientists have identified a new nonvenomous ground snake from New Guinea and named it Lielaphis slashi after Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash, whose real name is Saul Hudson. Genetic analyses, physical characteristics and differences in habitat and feeding behavior distinguished the snake from related species. Researchers found the species at night in tropical forest and noted that its habitat is threatened by coffee farming and mining, underscoring the importance of documenting New Guinea’s poorly studied biodiversity.

Romania scrambled F-16 jets to destroy an explosives-carrying suspected Russian marine drone near the Neptun Deep gas project in the Black Sea. The incident came as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least 16 people, damaged homes and civilian facilities, and prompted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to renew calls for Patriot interceptors. Ukraine also reported strikes on Russian oil facilities, while Russia claimed to have shot down 726 Ukrainian drones. Poland, Moldova and other NATO members reported airspace incidents or heightened military activity. Norway separately expanded its Arctic brigade as European countries increase defence spending and preparedness in response to the war.

Archaeologists believe a shattered skeleton found at Stirling Castle belonged to a man killed during the 1304 siege by a projectile from a trebuchet, potentially making him the earliest archaeologically identified victim of such a weapon. Radiography, microscopy and CT scans revealed more than 160 injuries, including 61 skull fractures and 57 rib fractures, consistent with a single high-velocity blunt-force impact. The researchers associate the trauma with Edward I’s War Wolf trebuchet or a similar siege engine, though they cannot confirm the specific weapon because comparable forensic evidence is lacking.

Russians withdrew approximately $3.4 billion from banks during the first two weeks of August, following billions more in withdrawals in June and July, amid fears that the government could nationalise deposits to fund the war. Former finance officials said the outflow was creating liquidity problems and reflected growing public distrust. Elsewhere, Russia reported striking a cargo vessel carrying weapons near Odesa, while Ukrainian officials described extensive damage to ports, cities and energy infrastructure. Ukraine announced plans to equip all frontline drones with artificial-intelligence capabilities, and its foreign minister urged increased sanctions and isolation of Moscow while Belgium pledged continued support.

An analysis of nearly 13 million US death certificates across 503 occupations found that pilots and flight attendants had the highest proportions of deaths from radiation-related cancers. Aircrew are estimated to receive 3–6 millisieverts of cosmic radiation annually at high altitude, and showed significantly higher mortality from several cancers than other workers. Harvard researchers urged occupational protections aligned with this exposure, while noting limitations including possible occupation misclassification and the absence of individual exposure data.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi skipped Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine on the anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, apparently prioritizing relations with China and South Korea, but Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and three ruling-party executives visited. China condemned the visit as an attempt to rehabilitate war criminals, obscure Japan’s wartime crimes and accelerate militarization, while South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called cooperation with Japan increasingly important alongside remembrance of historical suffering. Takaichi’s absence may also reflect declining domestic popularity and an effort to balance diplomacy with support from right-wing voters. Emperor Naruhito separately expressed remorse and urged preservation of memories of wartime suffering.

An experimental 1.1-tonne maglev train in China accelerated from rest to 800km/h in 5.3 seconds on a 1km test track at the Donghu Laboratory in Hubei, then stopped smoothly over approximately 200 metres. The test marked the train’s third short-distance acceleration record in six months, following earlier runs reaching 650km/h, 700km/h and 798km/h. Researchers tested high-power energy delivery, electromagnetic propulsion, levitation control and emergency braking. The technology is not currently intended for passenger transport, but its principles could support future rocket and fighter-jet launch systems and ultra-high-speed trains in low-pressure or vacuum tubes, although major infrastructure, safety and track-alignment challenges remain.

Researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast recorded bottlenose dolphins using large empty seashells to trap fish and shake them into their mouths off Queensland’s Hervey Bay. An adult female and her calf were observed shelling together, offering possible evidence that dolphins can learn tool use from their mothers rather than only from peers. Scientists say the behaviour appears to have developed independently among dolphin populations on opposite sides of Australia, but further research is needed to understand how it is learned and used.

Excerpts from a previously lost letter by Pope Alexander II, found in a Vatican medieval canon law collection, suggest that the 1066 Norman invasion may have been influenced by a papal power struggle. Researchers argue that England’s possible support for Alexander’s rival, Honorius II, could have motivated Alexander to grant William the Conqueror religious and political legitimacy to overthrow Harold Godwinson. The finding reframes the Norman Conquest as not only a succession dispute but also part of a wider conflict over control of the Church in Europe.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage launched in January 2025 crashed into the Moon after solar activity and gravitational forces prevented a controlled disposal maneuver. South Korea’s Danuri spacecraft and China’s Gande-1 01 satellite captured images showing a darker impact site and newly formed crater. The event also produced a dust plume containing sodium and lithium, giving NASA and other scientists an opportunity to study lunar impacts, debris-monitoring systems and plume dynamics in real time.

A study suggests that bacteria and archaea may have emerged independently near deep-sea hydrothermal vents, despite sharing one origin for the genetic code. Researchers reconstructed early metabolic reactions and found that metal catalysts naturally present in vents could have performed many functions later handled by enzymes. The findings support a model in which environmental chemistry first enabled metabolism before separate bacterial and archaeal lineages evolved into free-living cells.

A study of health-insurance data from more than 10 million people in five million two-child families found statistical differences in disease risks associated with birth order. First-born children were more likely to receive diagnoses involving autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, depression and anxiety, while second-born children showed higher rates of substance-abuse problems, digestive disorders, migraines, shingles and some joint conditions. Researchers said the associations may reflect biological, immunological and social factors, as well as parental monitoring and diagnostic timing, and cautioned that birth order was not proven to cause any disease.

New excavations at Spain’s Gran Dolina cave have uncovered more than two dozen additional Homo antecessor fossils dating to about 850,000 years ago. The remains include more adult individuals than previously documented, providing a more representative picture of the species’ biology and demography. Cut marks on juvenile and adult bones indicate that cannibalism was practiced across age groups. Stone tools and animal remains found alongside the human fossils make Gran Dolina one of Europe’s most important archaeological records of early human occupation.

A review of more than 400 studies warns that river sand and gravel extraction is occurring faster than natural replenishment, particularly in Southeast Asia. Mining deepens riverbeds, destabilises banks, lowers groundwater levels, worsens water quality, damages infrastructure and ecosystems, and threatens farms, fisheries and riverside communities. Researchers say governments lack adequate data, with only 27% of reviewed studies quantifying extraction. More than 50 million metric tonnes were reportedly removed from the Mekong River in 2024—well above the permitted amount of about 20 million tonnes—with roughly 60% extracted illegally. The researchers recommend managing sand mining at the river-basin level using satellite, drone, sonar and field monitoring, alongside science-based extraction limits and stronger permit enforcement.

Astronomers have identified Nysa, a 75-kilometre-wide E-type asteroid between Mars and Jupiter, as a rare three-lobed object with a previously unknown moon roughly one kilometre across. High-resolution observations from the Large Binocular Telescope in Arizona revealed narrow neck regions and valleys around Nysa, supporting the possibility that it is a contact trinary or an unusually irregular body formed through ancient collisions. Further observations could clarify its mass, density and formation history, offering insight into the early evolution of the Solar System.

A study involving nearly 120 volunteers in Miami found that skin bacteria and body odor help explain why mosquitoes are more attracted to some people than others. Different species showed distinct scent preferences: Aedes aegypti slightly favored male participants, while Aedes albopictus was attracted to certain scents, including ketones. Researchers say the findings could support the development of new mosquito repellents.

A study of nearly 120 volunteers in Miami found that differences in skin bacteria and body odour help explain why mosquitoes are more attracted to some people than others. Researchers tested three species—Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus—and found that each preferred different combinations of human scents. Aedes aegypti showed a slight preference for men, while Aedes albopictus was attracted to scents including ketones. The findings could support the development of microbial-based mosquito repellents that reduce attractive odours or produce repulsive compounds.

A study by researchers at the Technical University of Dresden found that double-filtration plasmapheresis, an apheresis treatment normally used to lower high cholesterol, reduced blood levels of some PFAS “forever chemicals,” including PFOA and PFOS, by up to 25 percent in 34 patients. The technique’s effectiveness in removing microplastics was unclear, and researchers said controlled clinical trials are needed while emphasizing that preventing exposure remains the priority.

A study of 34 patients found that double-filtration plasmapheresis, a treatment used to reduce hard-to-treat cholesterol, also lowered blood levels of several PFAS forever chemicals by up to 25 percent. Researchers found no convincing evidence that the process removes microplastics, and they stressed that the findings are preliminary rather than proof from a controlled clinical trial. Further animal studies are planned, but preventing exposure remains more important than attempting costly cleanup afterward.

A University of New South Wales study finds that feral cats may be killing substantially more Australian wildlife than earlier research estimated, potentially threatening up to 200 of the country’s roughly 700 at-risk animal species. Using forensic DNA barcoding to identify prey fragments that conventional gut-content and scat analysis misses, researchers found evidence that cats consume a wider range of mammals, birds and soft-bodied species, including New Zealand frogs. The researchers recommend expanding monitoring and building fenced safe havens to protect vulnerable native wildlife from cats and other invasive predators.

Scientists found microplastic particles in 92% of snails and mussels collected from hydrothermal vents more than 2,000 metres below the surface in the North Fiji Basin and Central Indian Ridge. The animals contained an average of 3.42 particles each, with polystyrene the most common material. Microplastic concentrations were up to 15 times higher in Indian Ocean specimens than in those from the southwestern Pacific, and distribution varied according to feeding behaviour. The findings show that plastic pollution from the ocean surface reaches some of Earth’s most isolated ecosystems, underscoring the need for deep-sea monitoring and conservation policies.

Archaeologists found the remains of likely premature twins buried side by side in a disused Roman latrine at Ephesus, probably during the eighth or ninth century. Evidence that the infants were wrapped and carefully interred suggests the sheltered location was chosen for protection rather than disposal. One infant had an exceptionally rare cervical rib, while the twins may have died from complications surrounding birth. Their east-west burial orientation reflects Christian customs, although the birth and death of twins may have been interpreted as an ill omen.

Chinese researchers propose using a spacecraft to excavate a deep crater in a large near-Earth asteroid, guide a nuclear device into it, and detonate it to destroy or rapidly deflect the asteroid. Simulations indicate that an explosion equivalent to about 200 Hiroshima bombs could break apart a 100-metre asteroid, while detonating roughly 30 metres underground could triple the change in its velocity compared with a shallow blast. The approach is presented as a potential defense for large asteroids or threats detected only days or weeks before impact, when conventional methods such as NASA’s DART mission may be insufficient.

Chinese scientists propose using a spacecraft to excavate a deep crater in a large asteroid and guide a nuclear device into it for detonation. Simulations suggest that a blast equivalent to 200 Hiroshima bombs could destroy an asteroid about 100 metres wide, while burying the device 30 metres deep could triple its effectiveness. The method is intended for large asteroids or threats detected with too little warning for conventional deflection techniques such as NASA’s DART mission.

Researchers at Philadelphia’s Wistar Institute found that fructose released by ovarian cancer cells surviving platinum-based chemotherapy may signal neighboring tumor cells to spread. The sugar appears to reduce cholesterol in nearby cells, weakening their ability to adhere to one another and potentially facilitating metastasis. High fructose consumption may produce similar signals even without chemotherapy, but the findings have not yet been tested directly in patients. The study also raises questions about whether statins could interact with chemotherapy, although researchers stress that patients should not discontinue the drugs without medical advice. Follow-up work will investigate whether the mechanism applies to other cancers.

Palaeontologists from the University of Michigan confirmed that a previously misidentified fossil in an Oregon museum is the most complete known remains of Mesocyon coryphaeus, a prehistoric dog dating back more than 30 million years. The species was shorter and stockier than modern dogs, was not built for sustained running, and could rotate its forearms for grappling and climbing. The fossil’s preserved baculum established that the specimen was male, while an osteochondroma provided evidence of a hereditary bone growth seen in early dog fossils. The Mesocyon lineage eventually became extinct.

Scientists from the University of Michigan identified a nearly complete fossil found in an Oregon museum collection as Mesocyon coryphaeus, a male canid that lived more than 30 million years ago. The specimen is missing only its tail and parts of its hands and feet, making it one of the most complete examples of the species. Its robust bones suggest it was shorter and stockier than modern dogs and not built for sustained running; rotating forearms, climbing adaptations and occasional heel-down walking indicate a more flexible lifestyle. The extinct lineage reveals a form of dog ecology that disappeared before modern dogs evolved.

Scientists documented an aggregation of juvenile smooth hammerhead sharks near the Galapagos Islands, the first confirmed sighting of the species there in more than 20 years. Genetic and morphological analyses verified the sharks’ identity and indicated that the Galapagos may serve as a nursery area. Researchers are using underwater video, DNA testing and dietary analysis to study their movements, feeding habits and links to other Eastern Tropical Pacific populations. The findings could help identify nursery areas and migration routes needed to protect the species from overfishing, including in international waters outside marine reserves.

Scientists have discovered a previously unknown alloy preserved in Hiroshimaites, microscopic glassy particles formed during the 6 August 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Analysis found iron-rich alloys containing chromium, nickel, manganese, molybdenum and unusually high levels of silicon, including one uniform crystal that likely formed from a molten droplet and cooled rapidly. The material provides new insight into how matter behaves under the extreme temperatures and pressures generated by nuclear explosions and could inform the development of new classes of materials.

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, killing at least 18 people, injuring hundreds and damaging infrastructure. Scientists identified it as a relatively unusual shallow inland faulting event rather than the offshore subduction-zone earthquakes more commonly associated with Japan. Although inland earthquakes are generally smaller, their proximity to populated areas can produce severe shaking and extensive damage.

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, caused deaths, injuries and extensive infrastructure damage. Scientists say it was unusual because it resulted from shallow inland faulting within the Eurasian tectonic plate rather than from one of Japan’s major offshore subduction zones. Although inland earthquakes are generally smaller, their proximity to populated areas can produce severe shaking. Researchers say the precise ruptured faults will require field observations and satellite radar analysis because Japan’s inland fault network is highly complex.

A study at six railway stations in Germany found that 1800 Kelvin amber LED lights, which emit very little blue light, attracted about 40–44% fewer insects than standard white LEDs and high-pressure sodium lamps. The findings suggest that modifying urban lighting could reduce artificial light pollution and protect large numbers of insects, including endangered and legally protected species, without compromising essential human infrastructure.

A study conducted at six railway stations in Germany’s Westhavelland Nature Park found that specially designed 1800 Kelvin amber LED lights attract about 40–44% fewer insects than conventional white LEDs and high-pressure sodium lamps. The amber lights emit little blue light, a wavelength to which many insects are sensitive, while still providing essential nighttime illumination. Researchers collected nearly 71,000 insects between 2023 and 2025, including numerous threatened and legally protected species, suggesting that warmer, narrow-spectrum lighting could reduce the ecological effects of urban infrastructure without compromising human safety.

More than 1,500 ships stranded or anchored in the Persian Gulf after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz could accumulate extensive biofouling, including algae, barnacles, mussels and other organisms. Researchers warn that when vessels resume international routes, these organisms—and associated parasites and pathogens—could spread to new ports, creating an unprecedented marine bioinvasion event. The study highlights harmful algal blooms near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm as an existing regional concern and calls for stronger ship biofouling controls and expanded monitoring at high-risk ports.

A study found that Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus can multiply in kitchen sponges, survive drying and transfer to other surfaces and food. Because visual appearance and smell are unreliable indicators of contamination, researchers recommend replacing sponges regularly—especially after cleaning areas exposed to raw meat—heating them in water above 70°C for at least two minutes, or using machine-washable microfibre cloths washed at temperatures of at least 60°C.

Researchers argue that gradually reducing the global human population from roughly 8 billion to about 4 billion or fewer by 2200 could improve environmental sustainability. Lower population and moderated per-capita consumption could help restore habitats, protect biodiversity, reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and pollution, ease resource conflicts, and reduce poverty. The study emphasizes that population decline should occur gradually and justly through measures such as education, female empowerment, delayed marriage, and voluntary family planning, citing Kerala’s economic development as an example.

X has widely launched X Money in the United States for adult Premium and Premium+ subscribers after an invite-only beta. The service provides digital deposit accounts, fee-free peer-to-peer transfers, Visa debit-card storage, virtual and physical cards, Apple Wallet and Apple Pay support, cashback, interest of up to 6% APY, and possible welcome deposits. Accounts are held at Cross River Bank and insured up to $250,000. The rollout advances Elon Musk's ambition to turn X into an all-purpose financial platform, but Senator Elizabeth Warren has warned that X's record raises consumer-protection, national-security and financial-stability risks.

Forensic analysis of three naturally preserved Inca victims in Chile has revised understanding of their deaths and journeys. CT scans and crash-impact simulations indicate that the 8-year-old boy known as Niño de El Plomo likely died from a blow to the skull by a star-shaped stone mace, rather than exposure alone. Hair chemistry suggests he traveled 2,600–2,800 kilometres from Cuzco over about nine months. Analysis of two female victims found no evidence supporting earlier theories that they were strangled, while carbon-level changes suggest increased maize consumption before sacrifice, possibly during ritual feasting. The findings show that Capacocha ceremonies involved long, structured pilgrimages and varied methods of ritual death.

A review of 57 brain-imaging studies finds that parasomnias and dyssomnias are associated with structural changes in brain regions involved in motivation, decision-making and emotional regulation, as well as reduced thalamic activity linked to attention and higher-level thinking. The findings may help explain cognitive and emotional difficulties associated with poor sleep and could support earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments.

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains in cats, dogs and horses were genetically nearly indistinguishable from strains infecting people in nearby hospitals. Researchers said companion animals may have greater potential for transmitting the WHO Priority 1 pathogen to humans than livestock, poultry or wildlife because of their close contact with people. The bacterium can cause serious illnesses including pneumonia and meningitis.

Chinese scientists report that the antibiotic-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii may be spreading between companion animals and humans. Analysis of more than 500 samples from animals and people across 17 countries found that strains from cats, dogs and horses were genetically nearly identical to strains infecting hospital patients nearby, with some showing more than 99.5% similarity. These pet-associated strains belonged to a high-risk antimicrobial-resistance group and carried genes conferring resistance to carbapenems, last-resort antibiotics. The researchers say closer contact between pets and humans may explain the elevated transmission risk and call for more species-specific monitoring.

Researchers found that the tapeworm Anomotaenia brevis can extend the lifespan of infected Temnothorax nylanderi worker ants to nearly that of their queens, which may live up to 20 years. Infection makes workers less active, alters their metabolism and immune responses, and gives them partially queen-like gene activity, particularly in gut tissues, while brain changes are less similar to queens. Scientists believe the parasite manipulates conserved ageing and metabolic pathways to evade the ants’ immune system and improve its own transmission.

A Cornell University study found that people who drank more water during meals tended to eat more food rather than feel fuller. Participants consumed roughly 40 additional grams of food—nearly 50 calories—for every extra 100 millilitres of water, and more frequent switching between bites and sips was also linked to higher intake. Researchers suggest that water may refresh the mouth, prevent dryness and prolong enjoyment of food, while faster drinking was associated with eating less. The findings challenge common advice that drinking water with meals reliably reduces food consumption.

A study analysing approximately 116,000 songs from 3,160 bird species found that nearly all birdsongs are built from eight basic acoustic motifs, including trills and whistles. Most species use about five of these motifs, which evolved early in birdsong history and were repeatedly adapted to local environments. Flat whistles are common in dense tropical rainforests, while ultrafast trills are more prevalent in temperate regions.

An analysis of approximately 116,000 songs from 3,160 passerine species found that birdsong diversity is built from eight recurring acoustic motifs, including trills, whistles and harmonic notes. The motifs likely evolved early in birdsong history and have been repeatedly adapted to local environments and communication pressures. Most species use about five motifs, often dominated by one, while habitat influences which sounds travel most effectively: flat whistles are associated with dense tropical forests, whereas ultrafast trills are more common in temperate regions. The researchers’ method captures complex patterns across time and frequency, offering a broader framework for studying the evolution of acoustic communication.

Researchers in the Gulf of California documented orcas repeatedly holding ocean sunfish carcasses while another whale rammed them at high speed, fragmenting the tissue. The behavior may help process food for calves, although scientists also suspect it could serve a social or playful purpose. The observations represent the first recorded use of ramming as an orca predation or food-processing strategy and add to evidence of the whales’ coordinated hunting techniques.

A clinical trial by researchers at Peking University found that faecal microbiota transplantation capsules, administered after antibiotic pretreatment, improved sleep efficiency, reduced wakefulness after sleep onset and sustained subjective insomnia benefits for two to six months. The findings suggest that targeting the gut microbiota and gut-brain axis could offer a potential treatment approach for chronic insomnia.

A DNA study of 142 individuals from Scandinavian Viking-age graves challenges the assumption that people buried together were usually relatives. The findings suggest shared burials were shaped by religious customs, social ties, community membership, or the circumstances of death. The study also found that children were often buried according to the same gender-specific practices as adults. Genetic analysis of Lady 56, buried at Västerhus in Jämtland, helped reconstruct family relationships, while a scallop shell indicated that she had undertaken a major pilgrimage.

A clinical trial suggests that faecal microbiota transplantation using capsules containing microbes from healthy sleepers may improve insomnia. Compared with placebo, participants who received antibiotic pretreatment followed by the capsules showed better sleep efficiency, less wakefulness after sleep onset, and sustained subjective improvements lasting up to six months. The treatment increased gut microbial richness and diversity and was generally well tolerated, though larger studies are needed to establish its safety and effectiveness.

DNA analysis of 142 individuals from Viking-age and medieval Scandinavian graves shows that adults and children buried together were rarely close relatives, challenging long-standing archaeological assumptions. The findings suggest joint burials were shaped by social or religious factors rather than family ties. The study also indicates that children were buried according to established gendered cemetery patterns, mirroring adult practices. One woman, Lady 56, showed genetic links to several individuals and was identified as having undertaken a major medieval pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

A mathematical study estimates that humans might reach a median lifespan of 146 to 194 years if future treatments eliminated all major ageing mechanisms except somatic DNA mutations. The brain and heart appear especially vulnerable to mutation-related damage because many of their cells are not replaced, while the liver is more resilient due to continual cell renewal. Researchers stress that the estimate is theoretical and depends on assumptions about how organs deteriorate and interact; somatic mutations would remain a major barrier even if reversible aspects of ageing were cured.

Archaeologists excavating along the planned East West Rail route in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire found a rare coin dated to 287 AD bearing the name and image of Carausius, the Roman naval commander who declared himself emperor of Britain and northern Gaul. The excavations also uncovered later Roman coins, pottery and a Late Iron Age jar. Investigations will continue at thousands of sites over two years, with artefacts to be cleaned, analysed and added to the archaeological archive while the railway project seeks to protect the area’s historic environment.

A fossil discovered in Gujarat, India, has been identified as Ceratocaudia antiqua, the oldest known neosauropod. Dating to as much as 190 million years ago, the small, approximately 7-metre-long dinosaur predates previously known members of the group by about 10 million years, indicating that neosauropods spread earlier than previously believed. Researchers from IIT Bombay also digitally reconstructed its tail and concluded that it was held horizontally and may have been used to deter predators.

Archaeologists discovered a rare 287 AD coin depicting Carausius, the Roman commander who established an independent state in Britain and northern Gaul, during preparatory work for the East West railway in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The excavation program has also uncovered a second-century Roman coin and a Late Iron Age jar. Archaeologists are examining thousands of sites along the route and will clean, analyse and archive the artefacts.

Astronomers have identified the same unexplained light-absorption feature on Pluto and Saturn’s moon Titan in observations from the James Webb Space Telescope. Existing molecular data do not clearly match the feature, although researchers consider allenes and, under certain mixtures, benzene, ketene or acetylene as possible explanations. Evidence suggests the molecule is concentrated on the surfaces rather than in the atmospheres, where methane–nitrogen chemistry may help produce it. Further Webb observations and NASA’s Dragonfly mission to Titan, scheduled for the mid-2030s, could help determine its composition and origin.

Chinese astronomers plan to launch two spacecraft toward the near-Earth asteroid 2015 XF261 by 2030. One spacecraft would strike the asteroid at more than 26 times the speed of sound to alter its orbit and potentially break apart its solid structure, while a second probe would observe the impact and study the asteroid for years. The mission aims to improve planetary-defence techniques and provide detailed data on the asteroid’s composition, internal structure and mechanical properties.

Chinese researchers plan to crash a spacecraft into asteroid 2015 XF261 around 2030 to test planetary defense capabilities by directly altering the asteroid’s solar orbit. The mission will launch two spacecraft, one to impact the asteroid at high speed and another to observe and monitor the long‑term effects. Unlike NASA’s earlier Dart mission, which targeted a rubble‑pile asteroid, the Chinese mission aims at a solid target and seeks more realistic deflection data. Instruments aboard the observer probe will study the asteroid’s composition and internal structure, though limited past observations of the target pose a challenge.

Archaeologists have identified an approximately 800-year-old section of medieval castle wall beneath Chester Crown Court. Dr Stewart Ainsworth spotted a change in masonry using his smartphone light, and researchers concluded that the nearly three-metre-high wall likely formed part of a bridge over the ditch surrounding the castle’s inner ward. The structure survived later 18th-century construction, and Cheshire Constabulary says it can now be protected for future generations.

An archaeologist discovered an 800-year-old section of a medieval castle beneath Chester Crown Court after noticing a change in masonry in a dark corridor. Analysis showed the structure to be part of a 13th-century bridge that once crossed a defensive ditch within the castle complex, preserved inside later 18th-century construction. Digital scanning and historical comparisons confirmed the find, which researchers say highlights the value of proactive surveys and will help preserve the site for future study.

A study of five royal Egyptian mummies discovered at Dahshur and rediscovered in the Egyptian Museum indicates that elite women received extensive weapons training. Bone adaptations suggest that several princesses practiced archery and may have used daggers or maces, while healed fractures show they received sophisticated medical treatment. The findings challenge the traditional portrayal of royal women as passive figures confined to luxurious harems and instead suggest they held active military, ceremonial, diplomatic and religious roles.

The Philippines condemned an AI-generated China Daily video portraying Filipinos as monkeys, calling it racist and offensive, and demanding its removal. Philippine defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro denounced the video as propaganda that dehumanises Filipinos and reflects Beijing’s inability to justify its South China Sea claims. The incident comes amid rising tensions over confrontations at sea, barriers installed near Scarborough Shoal and continued allegations of Chinese harassment of Filipino fishermen, while China has not responded to the criticism.

The United States launched a new wave of strikes on Iran that reportedly killed seven people and damaged military and civilian infrastructure, including power and transport networks. US Marines also boarded a tanker in the Gulf of Oman and redirected three vessels accused of violating a naval blockade. Donald Trump said the US was achieving major gains, while Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against US allies in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait and threatened broader strikes on regional infrastructure if the attacks continued.

Analysis of five 4,000‑year‑old Egyptian princesses’ mummies shows extensive bone adaptations consistent with training in archery, daggers and maces, challenging assumptions that elite royal women lived passive lives. Evidence of robust muscle attachments and healed injuries indicates disciplined weapons practice and advanced medical care. The findings suggest royal women played active roles in hunting, ceremonial duties and court protection, expanding the understanding of gender roles in ancient Egypt.

Researchers warn that blanket bans on teenagers’ social media use could push young people toward less visible platforms, encourage technology companies to evade or influence regulation, and disproportionately harm adolescents with limited family or educational support. They argue that governments should adopt flexible, evidence-informed policies that assess effects on social connections, school engagement, industry responses and long-term wellbeing rather than relying only on screen-time or short-term mental-health measures. The European Union and several countries, including Australia, Britain, China, India and the United States, are pursuing or considering restrictions.

Researchers have identified a new monkey species, Colobus congoensis, locally known as the Likweli, in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Distinguished by its orange mouth patch, mask-like face, black fur and distinctive calls, the species was confirmed through genetic, anatomical and audio analysis. It is found only in the interfluve between the Lomami and Congo rivers and is considered highly vulnerable because of its small range, limited population and threats from hunting and habitat loss.

A Canadian study estimates that ultra-processed foods contributed to 23–38 percent of cardiovascular disease events in 2019, equivalent to 58,200–96,000 new cases and 10,600–17,400 deaths. Researchers say halving consumption could prevent up to 8,300 deaths and suggest similar effects may occur in other high-income countries. They call for food taxes, front-of-package labeling, marketing restrictions and reformulation targets, while nutritionist Gunter Kuhnle cautions that the observational evidence shows association rather than causation.

A Canadian modelling study estimated that ultra-processed foods accounted for 23–38% of cardiovascular disease events in 2019, corresponding to 10,600–17,400 deaths and 58,200–96,000 new cases. Halving consumption could have prevented an estimated 5,000–8,300 deaths and 27,300–45,900 cases. Researchers called for interventions including food taxes, front-of-package labelling, marketing restrictions and reformulation targets, while outside experts stressed that the observational evidence does not establish causality and may partly reflect socioeconomic disadvantage among high consumers.

Researchers have confirmed that a monkey observed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a distinct species, Colobus congoensis, locally known as the Likweli or “branch shaker.” Genetic, anatomical and audio evidence, along with comparisons with museum specimens, distinguished it from other African colobines. The monkey’s unusual orange-cream mouth patch, masked face and pig- or frog-like call set it apart. Found only in the interfluve between the Lomami and Congo rivers, it faces threats from its small range, habitat loss and hunting, prompting scientists to propose endangered status and stressing the importance of Lomami National Park and its surrounding buffer zone.

Researchers at the University of Campania in Italy found micro- and nanoplastics in the blood supplying the heart in 84 percent of patients who had survived a serious heart attack. Higher levels were associated with smoking and increased exposure to air pollution, which may help plastic particles move from the lungs into the bloodstream. The study shows a strong association but does not prove that microplastics cause heart attacks, while reinforcing concerns about plastic pollution as a public health risk.

A study of more than 1,600 dogs found that some puppies can develop intense, addiction-like attachment to toys, including persistent attempts to access them, difficulty calming down, high arousal and reduced sleep. Shepherd-type breeds showed the strongest average toy motivation, followed by terriers and retrievers, while other breed groups were less interested. Researchers said these traits may originate early in development and can be advantageous in working dogs, but extreme fixation may harm animal welfare when it interferes with eating, resting or social interaction.

A study from Italian researchers found that heart attack patients had significantly higher levels and a wider range of micro- and nanoplastics in their blood compared with patients with chronic heart disease or normal arteries. Smoking and long-term exposure to air pollution were strongly associated with increased plastic particle levels. Although the study does not establish that microplastics cause heart attacks, experts say the findings strengthen concerns about plastic pollution as a growing public health issue.

Archaeologists are working to preserve a 3,000-year-old tomb belonging to Paser at Luxor’s Theban necropolis, where the mountain-side location is highly vulnerable to flash flooding. The preservation mission combines excavation with conservation and hydrological measures, including removing debris and constructing drainage paths, to protect inscriptions and other ancient material from further flood damage.

Archaeologists are working to protect newly excavated 3,000-year-old tombs in Luxor’s Theban necropolis, an area highly vulnerable to flash flooding that has already damaged ancient burials. A tomb belonging to an individual named Paser was uncovered, along with well-preserved architectural features such as milk-brick linings and a staircase. Researchers aim not only to excavate but also to implement flood‑risk mitigation, including debris removal and drainage creation. Multidisciplinary methods and digital technologies are being developed to document and conserve the fragile artwork and improve understanding of the cemetery’s relationship with its environment.

Researchers found that Ewingella americana, a bacterium isolated from amphibian guts, eliminated bowel-cancer tumours in mice after a single intravenous dose. The bacterium appeared to work by directly damaging cancer cells while strongly activating the immune system, without colonising healthy organs. The findings are limited to mice but provide a promising proof of concept for bacterial treatments for human cancers.

Researchers at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology found that the amphibian-associated bacterium Ewingella americana eliminated bowel-cancer tumours in mice after a single intravenous dose. The bacterium multiplied in oxygen-deprived tumour tissue, directly damaged cancer cells, and activated immune cells while being rapidly cleared from the bloodstream without colonising healthy organs. The findings provide a preclinical proof of concept for bacterial cancer therapies, though further research is needed to determine whether the approach is safe and effective in humans or applicable to other solid tumours.

A review of 33 studies involving over 500 athletes finds that beetroot juice improves both aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance. Consuming 140ml of concentrated juice or 250ml of standard juice about two hours before activity enhances strength, sprint speed, oxygen use, and endurance by increasing nitric oxide levels that support blood vessel function and muscle efficiency. Benefits vary based on timing, dosage and athlete characteristics, and researchers recommend further high‑quality studies to refine optimal use.

Archaeologists uncovered 18 ancient cemeteries along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, including tombs carved into rock and limestone surface burials linked to the ancient city of Leukaspis. Two dozen gold tongue amulets, intended to aid communication in the afterlife, were found among well‑preserved burials. Additional artefacts included pottery, altars, basins, and a marble statue fragment thought to depict Aphrodite. A granite coffin containing a plaster sphinx was also discovered. The findings highlight cultural diversity and continuity of funerary traditions through the Hellenistic, Ptolemaic and Roman eras.

Botanists in northeastern New South Wales identified a shrub long mistaken for another species as a newly classified plant named Phebalium banyabba, honouring the Bandjalang people. Researchers from the University of New England confirmed its distinct traits through physical analysis and DNA testing. Fewer than 1,000 individuals were found across two locations, with threats including limited distribution, frequent fires, drought, and cattle grazing. The plant’s reliance on seed regeneration heightens its vulnerability to increasingly frequent bushfires.

Close-up images of Ernest Shackleton’s final ship, Quest, were captured during a major Royal Canadian Geographical Society and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution expedition in the Labrador Sea using the submersible Alvin. Researchers observed coral-covered wreckage and structural damage partly caused by fishing nets, with hopes of creating detailed digital models to better understand its condition. The mission will continue toward Greenland to survey Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova, aiming to inspire future explorers through documentation of these historic vessels.

Zelensky described a phone call with Trump as creating a real prospect for ending the war, with plans for further talks at the NATO summit. Russia reported a similarly constructive call between Trump and Putin. Ukrainian forces intensified long-range strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, including an oil terminal in St Petersburg and military targets in Crimea, contributing to fuel shortages and pressure on the Kremlin. Russia claimed advances in Kostiantynivka, which Ukraine denied. Additional updates covered a deadly attack in occupied Crimea, a bombing targeting a Ukrainian oligarch in Monaco, and reports that Russia may have used AI-altered videos to exaggerate battlefield gains.

Tensions surrounding the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensified as Donald Trump claimed a single strike could eliminate Iran’s leadership gathered for Ali Khamenei’s funeral, prompting strong condemnation from Iranian officials. Massive crowds in Tehran mourned the slain supreme leader while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, remained absent due to injuries reportedly sustained in the earlier airstrike. Additional developments included Iran’s plan to introduce new shipping fees in the Strait of Hormuz and indications that Benjamin Netanyahu may soon meet Trump in Washington.

Public mourning began in Tehran for former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, killed in US-Israeli strikes, with authorities expecting massive turnout that they hope will project regime strength. Security concerns have kept new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei from attending, while Iranian officials warn the US and Israel against further attacks during the ceremonies. The war has strained US-Saudi relations and hindered peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Senior Iranian military figures, including Ahmad Vahidi, have re-emerged publicly as preparations continue for days of funeral events amid heightened political tension and ongoing regional instability.

China promoted Zhang Shuguang and Wang Gang as part of an extensive military reshuffle driven by Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign, which has removed numerous senior officers and left major vacancies within the Central Military Commission. Zhang becomes the military’s top anti-graft official while Wang takes charge of the air force. The crackdown has resulted in harsh penalties for former defence ministers and prompted intensive political retraining for officers. Despite short-term impacts on military readiness, Xi is prioritizing loyalty to the Communist Party ahead of a full commission reconstitution next autumn.

Iran begins several days of mourning for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in a US-Israeli strike, with officials expecting up to 20 million people to attend funeral ceremonies across Iran and Iraq. Authorities present the turnout as a show of unity despite concerns about declining public support. Security is heightened as Iran warns the US and Israel against attacks during the ceremonies. Crowds in Tehran chant anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans while foreign leaders, including representatives from Russia, Turkey and Pakistan, attend the memorial. Statements from Iran’s chief negotiator condemn Western military posturing in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring rising regional tensions.

Russia claims to have captured Kostiantynivka as Vladimir Putin orders continued strikes on Ukraine’s military‑industrial infrastructure following large‑scale attacks on Kyiv. Ukraine rejects Moscow’s claim of capturing the city, while Russian drone and missile assaults continue across multiple regions, killing several civilians. St Petersburg reportedly faces a major drone attack on oil facilities, and fuel shortages grow across Russia despite Putin downplaying their significance. Poland warns of potential Russian provocations as tensions rise, and Ukraine engages in diplomatic contacts with US representatives amid ongoing conflict.

Crowd celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico’s World Cup win over Ecuador generated measurable ground vibrations detected by seismic instruments, producing what scientists classify as artificial tremors. Seismologists from SASSLA and Sismo Alerta Mexicana reported that mass jumping following goals by Julian Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez created short surface waves similar to those recorded during other major events, including large concerts. Researchers note that such human‑induced vibrations can help improve seismograph sensitivity and inform structural design for buildings and venues.

Newly analyzed Bronze Age rock carvings of boats in northern Portugal and southwest Galicia show distinct similarities to Scandinavian carvings, suggesting long-distance maritime connections across Europe between 1300BC and 800BC. Detailed 3D scans and mapping reveal that the Iberian carvings share design motifs with Scandinavian examples and were deliberately located near waterways. The findings indicate that Atlantic and Scandinavian communities exchanged technologies, ideas and possibly participated in expansive metal trade networks, with boat imagery also reflecting shared symbolic and cosmological beliefs.