Science & Earth

MuWave, a UK spinout from United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority research, received £450,000 to develop terahertz microwaves intended to heat fusion plasmas; the work is aimed at commercializing the technology for fusion research including the UK’s STEP prototype planned for 2040.

NASA postponed a Jan. 8 spacewalk while monitoring a medical concern aboard the International Space Station, and Mike Fincke says he experienced a medical event that stabilized and led to Crew‑11's early return and splashdown on Jan. 15.

A Northwestern University-led team used NASA's James Webb Telescope and archival Hubble images to locate the red supergiant that produced a supernova whose light reached Earth on June 29, 2025. The star appears unusually dusty, and NASA says the finding could help explain missing red supergiants.

On March 3 a total lunar eclipse will occur; totality begins about 6:04 a.m. ET and will be fully visible across the Pacific, eastern Asia, Australia and New Zealand, while eastern North America may see only part of the event as dawn approaches.

NASA reports astronaut Mike Fincke experienced a medical event on Jan. 7 and is now recovering at Johnson Space Center after an early return with Crew‑11.

Citizen scientists discovered and mapped a coral colony on the Great Barrier Reef about 364 feet long with an estimated footprint of 42,765 square feet, using in-water measurements, high-resolution imaging and 3D modelling.

Researchers applied a moving-molecule therapy to stem-cell spinal organoids and observed reduced scarring, lower inflammation, and neurite regrowth in injured tissue.

The ALMA ACES survey produced the largest radio mosaic ever made of the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone, showing complex filaments of cold molecular gas and dozens of identified molecules; the results were published Feb. 25 in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Scientists are studying intestinal gases as a window into the gut microbiome using rectal gas-collection devices and a swallowable sensor capsule, and early tests show these methods can detect gas types and where fermentation occurs in the colon.

NASA plans to move the Artemis II Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, for unplanned repairs after teams detected a helium flow issue in the rocket's upper stage; the rollback is scheduled for 9 a.m., weather permitting.

A Duke Health and University of Minnesota study reported that levels of small RNAs called piRNAs in blood predicted two‑year survival among adults aged 71 and older, with a six‑piRNA signature reaching about 86% accuracy and validation in an independent group.

President Trump authorized FEMA to supplement response efforts after a sewer line collapse released large amounts of untreated wastewater into the Potomac River; Mayor Muriel Bowser had declared a local emergency and requested federal assistance.

Defra has said weekly food waste collections will be introduced for every household next month under new legislation, but a BBC investigation found almost one in four English councils do not expect to meet that deadline; some councils have later start agreements or plan rollouts into 2026 and beyond.

A strong rimu fruiting has triggered a rare kakapo breeding season in New Zealand, and conservation staff are monitoring nests including a livestreamed underground nest where eggs were incubated off-site.

The World Nature Photography Awards announced its 2026 winners, naming Australia's Jono Allen World Nature Photographer of the Year for a photo of a rare white humpback calf called Mãhina; the contest drew entries from 51 countries and produced 14 gold-medal images across multiple categories.

On Feb. 12 the Trump administration rescinded the endangerment finding that gave the EPA the legal basis to regulate greenhouse gases; experts say that decision removes a key basis for federal emissions rules and could affect health protections tied to cleaner air.

NASA and SpaceX have scheduled the SpaceX Dragon to undock from the Harmony module at 12:05 p.m. EST Thursday, and the Expedition 74 crew packed research samples and station hardware for return while continuing human research aboard the ISS.

Using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers detected X-ray emission outlining an astrosphere around HD 61005, a young sun-like star about 120 light-years away; the result is the first clear X-ray view of such a stellar bubble.

The IEA projects about 4,600 GW of additional renewable capacity worldwide from 2025–2030, led by solar and wind; the article profiles Sunrun, Vestas and PPL for their roles in solar, wind and battery storage.

A Zimbabwe court convicted defendants in a lion-poaching case after forensic DNA from seized parts matched genetic data from a known lion killed near Victoria Falls; those involved received 24-month prison sentences.

The Scottish government has rejected plans for a £40m Flamingo Land holiday resort at Loch Lomond, citing flood risk, loss of historic woodland and wider policy conflicts; the decision follows years of local opposition and earlier appeals.

EPA records released Feb. 12 report PFAS detections in public water systems serving about 151 million people, and more than 1,050 systems reported yearly averages above the agency's 4 parts-per-trillion limit.

A Channel 4 drama and the research of two retired campaigners have renewed attention on long-running concerns about water pollution and the finances of England and Wales's water companies; a related class action reached the Court of Appeal shortly after the interview.

On Feb. 24, 2026 the Moon is in its First Quarter phase with about 48% of its face illuminated, and the next Full Moon will be on March 3.

The first official Somaliland delegation arrived in Israel after Israel recognized Somaliland in December 2025 and visited the Shafdan wastewater treatment complex to review water recycling and agricultural technologies.

Speaker Johnson invited the Artemis II crew to attend the State of the Union to highlight Louisiana's role in the program, where a rocket stage was built at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility; Artemis II is scheduled as a 10-day lunar flyby this year.

Six planets will appear together in the western evening sky this weekend; Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn are expected to be visible to the naked eye while Uranus and Neptune require binoculars or a telescope.

Engineers detected an interrupted helium flow to Artemis 2's interim cryogenic propulsion stage after a wet dress rehearsal, and NASA will roll the SLS and Orion back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for inspection, removing the March launch window from consideration.

Organizers say nearly all electricity for the Milan‑Cortina 2026 Winter Games will come from certified renewable sources, with Enel supplying 85 gigawatt‑hours backed by guarantee of origin certificates. Organizers and experts note that indirect emissions from travel and accommodations remain the largest share of the Games' carbon footprint.

Researchers analyzed DNA from 112 ancient individuals from the lowlands of the Netherlands, Belgium and western Germany and found long-lasting hunter-gatherer ancestry that later mixed with Bell Beaker groups, which spread into Britain around 2400–2500 B.C.E.