Earth's heat loss is higher on one side of the planet

If to cut the planet in half at the 60 degree longitude line, the half of the planet that consists mainly of the Pacific Ocean allowed much more heat to escape than the hemisphere that includes Africa, Europe and Asia.

Lightning played a vital role in life's origins on Earth

Lightning strikes were just as important as meteorites in creating the perfect conditions for life to emerge on Earth, according to new research. This shows that life could develop on Earth-like planets through the same mechanism.

We're surprisingly similar to Earth's first animals

According to a new study, 555-million-year-old oceanic creatures from the Ediacaran period share genes with today's animals, including humans.

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.