Scientists have uncovered a key brain signal that helps us break old habits and adapt when circumstances suddenly change。 By watching mice navigate a virtual maze, researchers found that disappointment—when an expected reward failed to appear—triggered a surge of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, making the animals more likely to try a new strate
New studies suggest consciousness can't be judged solely by behavior, whether it's a chatbot discussing philosophy or a bee searching for nectar。 Researchers are increasingly focusing on the internal mechanisms of brains and computers, concluding that today's AI is likely not conscious while leaving open the possibility for both conscious insects a
Scientists have created a tiny chip that can generate, steer, and read light-based information all in one device, marking a major leap toward ultra-fast, energy-efficient computing。 The breakthrough uses atomically thin materials and nanoscale structures to control a unique quantum property of light called the “valley” degree of freedom, allowing i
A team at the University of Chicago has discovered a surprisingly simple way to create powerful quantum states that are normally difficult to produce。 By making small adjustments to the energy levels of atoms inside an optical cavity, researchers can generate a wide variety of highly entangled states without adding complicated hardware
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has uncovered unusual chemistry in interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, including the first direct detection of methane on a visitor from another star system。 The comet also contains exceptionally high levels of carbon dioxide, making it unlike most comets born in our solar system。 Scientists believe the methane was hidden
A stunning spiral galaxy called Messier 88 is racing through the crowded Virgo Cluster on a journey that will dramatically reshape its future。 At its heart lies a supermassive black hole about 100 million times the mass of the Sun, while its graceful spiral arms sparkle with young star clusters and dark clouds of dust。 But as M88 plunges deeper int
NASA says a long-running air leak aboard the ISS recently worsened, leading engineers to investigate new suspected crack locations and consider a riskier repair strategy。 Astronauts were temporarily moved into a safe haven as a precaution before the repair was postponed for further analysis
Scientists say moons around rogue planets wandering through the galaxy could remain warm enough for life thanks to tidal heating and hydrogen-rich atmospheres。 These dark, starless worlds may have had stable oceans for billions of years — long enough for complex life to potentially emerge
Researchers at EPFL have developed a chip-scale ultrafast laser that performs on par with traditional tabletop femtosecond lasers。 The innovation could make advanced laser technologies far smaller, cheaper, and more accessible for applications ranging from medical diagnostics to atomic clocks
The mysterious Amaterasu particle may not be a proton at all。 New research suggests that some of the most extreme cosmic rays could be ultraheavy atomic nuclei, heavier than iron, which are better able to retain their energy while traveling through space。 This idea could help explain how these rare particles reach Earth and provide new clues about
Astronomers have spent years searching for a possible hidden giant planet far beyond Neptune。 Unusual orbits among distant Kuiper Belt objects have fueled the Planet Nine theory, but recent discoveries are challenging the idea by showing more stable motion than expected。 If Planet Nine exists, it may be much farther away than originally thought
Scientists have developed a solar desalination system that turns seawater into drinking water without creating environmentally damaging brine。 Special laser-textured metal panels use sunlight to evaporate water while automatically moving salt deposits away from the working surface, preventing clogging。 The process was successfully tested with water
Researchers have developed a compact quantum detector that makes terahertz radiation much easier to detect。 A specially designed metasurface funnels incoming energy into tiny active regions, greatly strengthening the electrical signal produced。 The approach boosted efficiency by roughly 20 times compared to earlier designs and could pave the way fo
NASA’s Roman Space Telescope could revolutionize the search for alien worlds by discovering around 100,000 exoplanets—far more than all previous missions combined。 It will look deep into unexplored parts of the Milky Way, helping scientists compare planetary systems across very different galactic environments。 The mission will also uncover rare Ear
A remarkable crystal called molybdenum oxychloride could help make futuristic technologies like smart contact lenses and ultrathin AR glasses a reality。 Scientists have created the first detailed experimental map of its optical properties, revealing the strongest light-bending effect ever measured in a natural material。 The crystal can act either l