Astronomer Leads Global Team on NASA Mission to View Early Universe

A University of Missouri astronomer is leading a team of 130 researchers from 62 prestigious institutions—including NASA, Caltech, Princeton, and Harvard—on an ambitious mission. The collaborative effort is designed to capture an unprecedented view of the early universe, pushing the boundaries of modern astrophysics.

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ScienceenvironmentOct 17, 2026

Sunlight gives biodiesel byproduct a second life as hydrogen

Australian researchers and international collaborators have demonstrated a solar-driven approach to convert glycerol, a low-value byproduct of biodiesel production, into hydrogen and higher-value chemicals. Using advanced techniques at the Australian Synchrotron, the team revealed how the catalyst changed while it was actively working. This discovery paves the way for more efficient waste valorization and sustainable energy production.

biodiesel hydrogen solar energy catalyst sustainability

SciencebiotechOct 17, 2026

Scientists Uncover Mystery of Snail Shell Coiling Direction

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and Tohoku University have identified a key gene that dictates whether Japanese snails coil to the left or the right. This discovery provides crucial insights into biological asymmetry and handedness. Studying wild Euhadra snails in Japan, the team explored the genetic mechanisms behind mirror-image morphological traits. The findings could have broader implications for understanding anatomical development in other organisms, including humans.

biology genetics snails research science

ScienceenvironmentOct 17, 2026

Medieval Rabbits: From Royal Luxury to Common British Sight

Rabbits, now a common sight in the British countryside, were once a rare and luxurious commodity reserved exclusively for medieval royalty in England. Originally introduced as an exotic status symbol, their status dramatically shifted following the devastation of the Black Death. The historical rise and ecological transformation of rabbits in Britain highlight how socio-economic shocks like plagues can alter natural landscapes and wildlife distribution over centuries.

medieval history rabbits britain black death invasive species

Astronomer Leads Global Team on NASA Mission to View Early Universe

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