Methane ice dunes found on Pluto by Nasa spacecraft
Scientists say they have found evidence of dunes of frozen methane on Pluto. The research, which is published in the journal Science, suggests that the distant world is more dynamic than […]
science
‘Shocking’ human impact reported on world’s protected areas
One third of the world’s protected lands are being degraded by human activities and are not fit for purpose, according to a new study. Six million sq km of forests, […]
DNA sheds light on settlement of Pacific
A study of ancient DNA has shed light on the epic journeys that led to the settlement of the Pacific by humans. The region was one of the last on […]
Sprawling Maya network discovered under Guatemala jungle
Researchers have found more than 60,000 hidden Maya ruins in Guatemala in a major archaeological breakthrough. Laser technology was used to survey digitally beneath the forest canopy, revealing houses, palaces, […]
Hope for threatened ‘little tiger cat’
It’s the smallest cat in the Americas, occupying the smallest area of land. Listed as vulnerable to extinction, the güiña wildcat of Chile has lost much of its natural home […]
Coral reefs head for ‘knock-out punch’
Repeat bouts of warmer seawater are posing a significant challenge to the world’s tropical corals. A study of 100 reefs, published in Science Magazine, shows the interval between bleaching events in […]
Sea reptile fossil gives clues to life in ancient oceans
A new fossil is shedding light on the murky past of the sea reptiles that swam at the time of the dinosaurs. With tiny heads on long necks and four […]
Polar bear video: Is it really the ‘face of climate change’?
It is harrowing footage. An emaciated polar bear searches for food on Baffin Island, north-eastern Canada. Exhausted, it drags one leg slowly behind it, eventually trying to eat some discarded […]
Irish DNA map reveals history’s imprint
Scientists have unveiled a detailed genetic map of Ireland, revealing subtle DNA differences that may reflect historic events. In their sample of the Irish population, the researchers identified 10 genetic […]
Farthest monster black hole found
Astronomers have discovered the most distant “supermassive” black hole known to science. The matter-munching sinkhole is a whopping 13 billion light-years away, so far that we see it as it […]