Category: Science and Nature

The LEGO McLaren P1 tops out at 40 mph. Credit: LEGO / Jeff Moore In 2013, McLaren debuted the P1, an iconic powerhouse supercar capable of topping out at 217 mph. An official, life-size LEGO version? Not so much. But judging from the company’s recent showcase, its new project is still an impressive feat of

A Syntretus perlmani wasp larva bursts from a fruit fly’s abdomen. Matt Ballinger A team of biologists recently discovered a new parasitic wasp species in the United States that has a unique way of infecting its hosts. Syntretus perlmani lays its eggs in the bodies of living, adult fruit flies instead of larvae or pupae.

Recent research reveals that plants have all essential amino acids, debunking a longstanding misconception. A New England Journal of Medicine letter to the editor by Neal D. Barnard, MD, published on August 1, 2024, highlights the significant health benefits of plant-based proteins over animal-based ones. Contrary to the widespread misconception…  » …

Researchers in China have uncovered a low-mass black hole within the elusive mass-gap, defying previous scientific consensus. By combining radial velocity and astrometry, they identified this black hole in a wide binary system, challenging existing theories on binary evolution and black hole formation. This significant finding not only adds a new member to the known

When we think of endurance, it’s easy to picture young athletes or brilliant minds in their prime. However, some of the most awe-inspiring examples of endurance come from people who refuse to let age or conventional limits define them. These aren’t just stories of people pushing their bodies or minds to the brink—they’re about the

In the world of technology, major companies often present themselves as champions of innovation, customer satisfaction, and ethical practices. However, beneath this polished surface, there are often secrets that these tech giants would prefer to keep hidden from the public. From questionable data practices to covert tactics aimed at stifling competition, these revelations have often

Astronomy has always relied on light to convey information about the universe. But capturing photons — such as those from visible light or radio waves — is no longer the only technique scientists have for studying astronomical phenomena. Neutrinos, cosmic rays and gravitational waves are also “messengers” that carry information about the universe to humans

There’s hardly a more ubiquitous substance than plastic. It’s everywhere in the environment, from soil to air to water, and it’s in our bodies. According to the U.N. Environment Programme, humans produce more than 430 million tons of plastic annually; two-thirds soon become waste.  Such petroleum-based plastics have environmental and economic costs that can be mitigated with

In response to herbivory, plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. These VOCs have a key role in plant-plant interactions. In this process, undamaged plants may detect warning signals from their damaged neighbors and prepare defenses. Through chemical reactions, reactive plant VOCs turn into secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). In a new study, scientists

Aluminum oxide (Al2O3), also referred to as alumina, corundum, sapphire, or ruby, is an exceptional insulator widely used across various applications such as electronic components, catalyst support material, and chemically resistant ceramics. Understanding the precise surface atom arrangement is crucial for comprehending the chemical reactions occurring on this material, particularly in catalytic processes. While the