More from Science

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  Scientists Craft Mirror-Image Bacteria

  Researchers have engineered bacteria with proteins and sugars that are mirror images of those found in nature, aiming to unlock new insights into cellular construction, drug design, and the origins of life. However, growing concerns about potential catastrophic risks have led many scientists to reconsider the approach. The debate highlights the fine line between groundbreaking innovation and biosecurity, with the scientific community closely monitoring developments.

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  Cannabis Slows Teen Brain Growth

  A major study involving over 11,000 adolescents reveals that cannabis use is linked to slower development in memory, attention, language, and cognitive speed. While early users sometimes showed initial cognitive advantages, they were eventually outpaced by non-users as they aged. Published in Neuropsychopharmacology, this research underscores concerns about marijuana’s impact during critical brain development years. Experts now call for more awareness and further studies to guide policy and parental decisions.

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  Pompeii Walls Reveal Ancient 'Machine Gun' Fire

  Newly uncovered damage on Pompeii's northern fortifications suggests the use of an ancient repeating weapon called the polybolos during the 89 B.C.E. siege led by Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Researchers from the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli identified fanlike gouges consistent with this early 'machine gun,' a torsion-powered dart launcher described by Philo of Byzantium. This discovery offers fresh insight into Roman military technology and warfare tactics, with further studies expected to deepen understanding of siege weaponry in antiquity.

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  Colombia's Cocaine Hippos Age Faster, Risk Hearts

  New research reveals that Colombia's invasive 'cocaine hippos,' descendants of Pablo Escobar's illegally imported animals, exhibit signs of accelerated aging and increased cardiovascular risks. Scientists warn that chronic inflammation, linked to faster biological aging, may be a key factor in their health decline. With over 169 hippos still roaming, Colombian authorities face tough decisions as sterilization efforts lag and euthanasia plans move forward.

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  Rare Roman Sun Altar Unearthed in Scotland

  A rare 1,900-year-old Roman altar dedicated to the sun god Sol has been discovered in Inveresk, Scotland. This unique sandstone monument, pierced to let light shine through, was used in secret male-only rituals by soldiers stationed along the Antonine Wall. The altar offers fresh insight into Roman religious practices on the empire's northern frontier and will be displayed at National Museums Scotland starting November 14.

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  Loneliness Linked to Memory, Not Dementia

  A new six-year study of over 10,000 Europeans aged 65 to 94 reveals that loneliness correlates with lower memory test scores but does not accelerate cognitive decline or cause dementia. Led by Luis Carlos Venegas-Sanabria, the research highlights loneliness as a factor influencing initial memory performance rather than its progression. The findings suggest addressing loneliness could improve cognitive health in older adults, though it is not a direct cause of dementia. Experts recommend integrating loneliness screening into routine cognitive assessments to better support aging populations.

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  Scientists Crack 200-Year Dolomite Puzzle

  After two centuries of failed attempts, researchers from the University of Michigan and Hokkaido University have finally synthesized dolomite in the lab by uncovering how its crystal growth is naturally reset by cycles of dissolution. This breakthrough solves the long-standing “Dolomite Problem,” explaining why dolomite forms so slowly in nature due to structural defects that dissolve away during environmental cycles. Their atomic-level simulations and innovative electron microscopy experiments produced 300 layers of dolomite, far surpassing previous efforts. This discovery not only resolves a geological mystery but also opens new avenues for defect-free crystal growth in advanced technologies like semiconductors and solar panels.

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  Naked Mole Rat Queen Passes Throne Peacefully

  In a groundbreaking discovery at the Salk Institute, scientists observed a naked mole rat queen named Teré peacefully handing over her reproductive role to her daughter Arwen without the usual violent battles. This unprecedented event challenges the long-held belief that queen succession in these eusocial mammals is always bloody and brutal. The finding suggests greater reproductive flexibility and could reshape understanding of social hierarchies in mole rats. Researchers plan to explore how this peaceful transition might affect colony dynamics and survival.

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  Humans: The New Planet Shapers

  A groundbreaking study led by Erle Ellis of the University of Maryland reveals that human societies have become a dominant force reshaping Earth's ecosystems, from ancient fire use to modern industrial agriculture. This transformation has improved human survival but at significant environmental costs like climate change and species loss. The research urges moving beyond crisis narratives to harness collective social and cultural power for sustainable solutions. The next step is turning this awareness into global action to balance human progress with planetary health.