A major new study tracking over 4,000 young people in England has found a sharp decline in stable employment for those who do not go to university. Among 19- and 20-year-olds who entered the workforce without higher education, only half now have a permanent contract, down from 81% just six years earlier. The research, led by Professor Sharon Gewirtz at King's College London, followed particip…
If you are planning to chase a total solar eclipse, the next two years offer a rare dilemma. On August 2, 2027, a path of totality will cross southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, bringing over six minutes of darkness to parts of Egypt. Then on July 22, 2028, another long total eclipse will sweep across Australia, passing directly over Sydney Harbour and continuing to New Zealand'…
The Nankai Trough off Japan's coast is known to be the site of future megaquakes, but its full seismic history has been a mystery. Researchers at the University of Tokyo applied a new type of radiocarbon analysis to a sediment core from the Kumano Sea, uncovering traces of multiple previously unknown earthquakes. By reconstructing a more accurate past, scientists aim to better predict future…
NASA's Swift Observatory, which ended operations this week, took one of the best-ever photos of the Andromeda galaxy. The telescope captured millions of images during its mission, and scientists say this data could support astronomical discoveries for many years to come.
What cosmic object would you most want a retiring telescope to photograph?
Scientists have identified structural changes in the brain linked to sleep disorders, based on a review of 57 brain imaging studies. The changes appear in regions that manage attention, decision-making, and emotions. The findings suggest both shared and disorder-specific patterns, which could help explain why poor sleep affects daily thinking and behavior. This might eventually lead to more target…
Researchers analyzing sediment cores in Mexico have uncovered extreme mercury levels, and they trace the contamination back to the Maya civilization's extensive use of red paint. It is a reminder that even ancient societies could leave behind chemical footprints that persist long after their cities are gone.
What other everyday materials from the past might have unintended environmental co…
Researchers have calculated that human bodies collectively release over 2 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide each year simply by converting food into energy. That figure marks a 74% increase over the past 30 years, driven mainly by population growth. Unlike the CO2 from burning fossil fuels, the carbon dioxide we exhale is part of Earth's natural carbon cycle. Scientists suggest that more…
Scientists studying rare whales have discovered a newborn calf in the waters off Canada. The researchers say they had been tracking the animals for months without spotting the baby, making the find a welcome surprise. With the species endangered, each new calf is a cause for joy.
Have you ever encountered a whale in the wild, and what was that experience like?
The origins of Stonehenge's massive stones continue to intrigue archaeologists and geologists. A detailed study of the geological signature of the monument's six-ton Altar Stone now indicates it did not come from northeast Scotland, contradicting a recent 2024 hypothesis. This finding sends researchers back to the drawing board in their quest to locate the source of this sandstone megali…
AST SpaceMobile, a company focused on space-based broadband, announced it will build its own rocket called Blacklift to carry its satellites into orbit. The first flight is targeted for 2028, and the launcher will be developed in-house rather than relying on existing commercial rockets.
Do you think building your own rocket is the right call for a satellite broadband company?