First ever measurements of einsteinium

Since element 99 - einsteinium - is very hard to create and it is exceptionally radioactive. A team of chemists has overcome these obstacles to report the first study characterizing some of its properties.

The Evolution Our Dynamic Planet In 40 Sec: Video

Geoscientists have released a video that for the first time shows the uninterrupted movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates over the past billion years. On a human timescale however - things move in cm per year.

Mysterious, Upside-Down Lightning in the Stratosphere

European Space Station observatory has recorded five blue flashes from the top of a storm cloud, one of which ended with a blue jet streaking high into the stratosphere. Our understanding of these blue jet lightnings is limited.

The Earth has been spinning faster lately

Scientists around the world have noted that the Earth has been spinning on its axis faster lately - the fastest ever recorded in decades. Scientists say we may need to cut an entire second out of the year.  

Scientists discover 503 new species in 2020

A total of 503 new species were discovered by scientists at London’s Natural History Museum in 2020. Once again, an end of year tally of new species has revealed a remarkable diversity of life forms and minerals.

The Ten Most Significant Science Stories of 2020

From the rapid development of vaccines for Covid-19 to the stunning collection of an asteroid sample, these were the biggest science moments of the year.

Life on Earth might have arisen from RNA-DNA mix

A simple compound called diamidophosphate (DAP), which was plausibly present on Earth before life arose, could have chemically knitted together tiny DNA building blocks called deoxynucleosides into strands of primordial DNA.

New class of antibiotics discovered

International scientists have discovered a new class of compounds that uniquely combine direct antibiotic killing of pan drug-resistant bacterial pathogens with a simultaneous rapid immune response.

Researchers achieve long-distance quantum teleportation

A joint team of researchers was able to use quantum teleportation to send information over a distance of 44km. If successfully implemented, quantum internet would usher a new era of communication.

RNA basic building block produced for the first time

The Austrian researchers are the first in the world to demonstrate 'YeiN', an enzyme that is a suitable biocatalyst for the production of C-nucleosides, the basic building blocks of RNA.

Moderna says its COVID-19 vaccine is 94.5% effective

U.S. firm Moderna said that Phase 3 stage analysis suggested its coronavirus vaccine could prevent COVID-19. The news comes a week after Pfizer and German drug-maker BioNTech announced a vaccine of their own.

Coral Reef Taller Than Empire State Building Discovered

A "massive" detached coral reef has been discovered in Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Measuring almost 500 m in height, the reef is taller than the Empire State Building and many of the world's other skyscrapers.

Supernovae explosions may have left traces on our Earth

Recent findings suggest that relatively close supernovas could theoretically have triggered at least four disruptions to Earth's climate over the last 40,000 years. What happens in space may not always stay in space.

Extreme Life Thrived in An Asteroid Pit After Dinosaur Extinction

When the asteroid struck our planet some 66 mil years ago, it created a 180-km impact crater and produced a gigantic magma chamber. A new research found that this hydrothermal system supported an entire microbial ecosystem.

A Flu Shot Might Reduce Coronavirus Infections

Hospital workers who got vaccinated were significantly less likely to develop COVID than those who did not. These findings do not prove that flu vaccines prevent COVID-19, however.