The Guardian Science

Reflecting pool algae: the science Trump needs to know – podcast

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington DC has hardly been out of the news since April when President Trump vowed to have it renovated, and painted ‘American flag blue’ by 4 July. Despite the pool being stripped, cleaned, coated and refilled, within days the algae that has plagued it for decades was back. To find out why these blooms happen, what makes them so difficult to tackle and what Trump could try next, Ian Sample hears from co-host Madeleine Finlay, and from Dr Linda May, a fr

science  Jun 30, 2026

Science Daily

A massive asteroid slammed into the North Sea and triggered a 330-foot tsunami

Scientists have finally confirmed the origin of the mysterious Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea. New evidence shows that an asteroid about 160 meters wide struck the seabed roughly 43 to 46 million years ago. The impact triggered a tsunami more than 100 meters high and left behind a crater that geologists debated for years.

science  Jun 30, 2026

Science Daily

Why scientists fear we're missing evidence of extraterrestrial life

Scientists are raising concerns that we may be overlooking evidence of extraterrestrial life even when it is present. Hidden biosignatures, limitations in detection technology, and assumptions about what life should look like can all create dangerous false negatives. The researchers say future missions should focus not only on finding life, but also on understanding how signs of life could be missed.

science  Jun 30, 2026

NASA News

Northwest Earth and Space Science Pathways Project Celebrates Student Innovation Through ROADS from Earth to Venus National Challenge

The Northwest Earth and Space Science Pathways (NESSP) project recently concluded its 2025–2026 ROADS (Rover Observation And Discoveries in Space) from Earth to Venus National Challenge, a NASA Science Activation program student challenge that engaged more than 500 students on 120 teams from eight states in authentic science and engineering experiences inspired by Venus exploration. […]

science  Jun 29, 2026

Science Daily

Millions of exploding stars could soon reveal dark energy's secrets

A new AI-powered framework could transform how astronomers measure the expansion of the Universe. By analyzing images of Type Ia supernovae and modeling their environments in unprecedented detail, researchers can estimate cosmic distances with near-spectroscopic accuracy. The technique is designed for the flood of data expected from the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory and may greatly improve our understanding of dark energy.

science  Jun 29, 2026

NASA News

NASA, SBA Announce New Initiative to Scale American Space Economy 

NASA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the SBIC-NASA Initiative on Monday to increase investment in American manufacturers of industrial components and providers of technologies critical to space exploration to support a sustained presence on the Moon and Mars.  Under the Memorandum of Agreement, NASA will identify technology priorities and connect businesses to funding opportunities […]

science  Jun 29, 2026

NASA News

NASA’s Newest Wind Tunnel Builds on Legacy of Innovation

For more than 100 years, wind tunnels at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, have helped shape the future of flight.   Now, two of NASA’s longest-serving facilities — the 12-Foot Low-Speed Tunnel and the 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel — will pass the torch to the Flight Dynamics Research Facility (FDRF), the first major NASA wind tunnel built in more than 40 years.   “The FDRF […]

science  Jun 29, 2026

Science Daily

Scientists discover an unexpected way to make pancreatic cancer cells self-destruct

Researchers tested experimental PCAI compounds against pancreatic cancer cells and found they had powerful anticancer effects. One leading compound blocked more than 90% of cancer cell migration, suggesting it could help prevent the spread of tumors. Rather than suppressing cancer signaling, the treatment hyperactivated key pathways until the cells essentially self-destructed.

science  Jun 29, 2026

NASA News

NASA Astronaut Chris Williams Preps for Spacewalk

Flight engineer Sophie Adenot of ESA (European Space Agency) helps flight engineer Chris Williams of NASA as he tries on his spacesuit on June 23, 2026, testing its comfort and mobility as well as its communications and life support systems inside the International Space Station’s Quest airlock. Williams will go on a spacewalk on June […]

science  Jun 29, 2026

NASA News

Mapping Earth’s Observations, featuring Betsy Ford

NASA’s Earth-observing satellites track an enormous range of phenomena: how aerosols move through the atmosphere, how moisture descends through soil, how land-cover shifts over decades. It’s some of the most consequential data NASA produces, informing science, policy, agriculture, and climate research around the world. As NASA’s Earth Science Division (ESD) manages this vast portfolio, they […]

science  Jun 29, 2026

NASA News

NextSTEP-3 A: Lunar Enabling Technology

NASA issued a draft Broad Agency Announcement under NextSTEP‑3, Appendix A, on June 29, 2026, to advance concepts that accelerate the technological readiness of critical systems for lunar surface and cislunar architecture.  This solicitation seeks to close key technology gaps and mature capabilities in vertical solar arrays, ISRU oxygen production systems, Stirling radioisotope generators, in‑space […]

science  Jun 29, 2026

NASA News

NASA Seeks Industry Input to Accelerate Lunar Surface Technologies

Long-term lunar exploration requires technology, infrastructure, and operations that function together cohesively on the surface of the Moon. To accelerate the development of key lunar surface systems and reduce risk, NASA and industry must work together in the design, development, testing, and evaluation of innovative solutions that support U.S. space priorities.  NASA is seeking feedback on a draft solicitation for the Lunar […]

science  Jun 29, 2026

Science Daily

Millions take omega-3 fish oil for brain health but a new study found no benefit

Fish oil supplements successfully delivered omega-3s to the brain, but a two-year study found no meaningful benefits for memory, cognition, or Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. The results challenge the idea that fish oil pills can help prevent Alzheimer’s and shift attention toward overall diet and lifestyle instead.

science  Jun 29, 2026

The Guardian Science

Starwatch: Ophiuchus the serpent bearer, straddling the celestial equator

Spot this large constellation with differing classical backstories as moon sits squarely in ‘teapot’ of SagittariusThis week we will look for another large but faint constellation: Ophiuchus, the serpent bearer. One of the original 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, it sits in the sky on the opposite side to Orion, the hunter. The chart shows the view looking south from London at 11pm BST on 29 June 2026.Although the view will remain essentially unchanged all week, on this p

science  Jun 29, 2026

Science Daily

These fat-filled brain cells may be making multiple sclerosis worse

Scientists have uncovered a surprising clue that may help explain why multiple sclerosis (MS) progresses rapidly in some people but not others. In brain tissue from patients with severe MS, researchers found large numbers of “foamy” immune cells packed with fat droplets after absorbing damaged myelin. These overloaded cells appear to switch from helping repair the brain to fueling ongoing damage and inflammation.

science  Jun 29, 2026

NASA News

Star-Spangled City

Two hundred years ago, a battle in the port city of Baltimore inspired the writing of America’s national anthem.

science  Jun 29, 2026

Science Daily

Brain activity under anesthesia challenges what we know about consciousness

The unconscious brain appears to be far more capable than scientists once believed. Researchers found that patients under general anesthesia could still process language at a sophisticated level, distinguishing nouns, verbs, and adjectives while listening to stories. Even more remarkably, neural activity showed signs of predicting upcoming words before they were heard. The results challenge traditional ideas about consciousness and hint at new possibilities for brain-computer interfaces.

science  Jun 29, 2026

Science Daily

These tiny soil microbes could rescue crops from salty farmland

Researchers have discovered that beneficial soil bacteria give plants an unexpected survival advantage in salty soils. Instead of helping plants keep salt out, the microbes stimulate the production of lignin, a natural compound that strengthens roots and makes plants more resilient. Greenhouse and field tests showed healthier plants and higher yields in salty conditions. The findings could lead to bio-based treatments that help farmers grow crops on land once considered too salty for agriculture

science  Jun 29, 2026

Science Daily

Only one workout helped older adults lose fat without losing muscle

A six-month study of more than 120 adults in their 70s found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may offer a key advantage over other forms of exercise: it helped reduce body fat while preserving valuable muscle mass. While moderate and low-intensity workouts also led to some fat loss, only HIIT maintained lean muscle, which becomes increasingly important with age.

science  Jun 28, 2026

Science Daily

James Webb uncovers exotic salt clouds on a mysterious pink world

Astronomers have finally cracked the mystery of the famous “Pink Planet,” a strange world 57 light-years away that has puzzled scientists for more than a decade. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers discovered that its atmosphere contains water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and something never directly confirmed before in such an object: salty clouds.

science  Jun 28, 2026