Science

UK seeks site for world’s first commercial fusion power plant

The UK government is looking for a site on which to build the world's first prototype commercial fusion power plant, which it hopes to have operational by 2040. If you think sounds ambitious, you're right.

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Hubble catches nebula fizzling out faster than thought possible

Planetary nebulae are basically slow-motion explosions in space, expected to expand and then fade over tens of thousands of years. But in an unprecedented show, Hubble has witnessed a nebula fading and shrinking dramatically within just 20 years.

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Virgin Orbit gears up for its second attempt to reach space

Virgin Orbit is preparing its pilots, Cosmic Girl mothership and LauncherOne rocket for a second attempt at orbital flight, today announcing that its Launch Demo 2 mission will take place a week before Christmas.

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New electrolyzer could make hydrogen and oxygen out of salty Mars water

Weight is a premium on space launches, so the less we have to take with us, the better. Now engineers have developed a new electrolysis device that may be able to convert very salty Martian water into breathable oxygen and hydrogen for fuel.

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Blood test predicts risk of mild memory loss developing into Alzheimer’s

A new test that can analyze levels of two proteins in the blood of those with mild memory loss has demonstrated the potential to help predict the risk of them going on to develop Alzheimer’s within a timeframe of two to four years.

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New method quickly detects bee-killing pesticides in honey

Although the causes of colony collapse disorder aren't entirely understood, pyrethroid pesticides appear to be one of the main culprits. Thanks to a new technique, it should now be easier to detect these chemicals in the honey of affected beehives.

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Gene therapy may help prevent vision loss from genetic eye disease

A new gene therapy treatment may be able to save the vision of patients with a blindness-causing genetic disease. DOA currently has no preventative or cure, but in tests in mice and human cells the team was able to slow progression of the disease.

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Anxiety independently linked to faster onset of Alzheimer’s disease

Research has suggested that anxiety is an early indicator for Alzheimer's disease, which often follows mild cognitive decline (MCI). A new study has now found a link between anxiety and an increased rate of progression from MCI to Alzheimer's disease.

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Missing ingredient for life finally found on a comet

Phosphorus has been detected on a comet, thus completing the list of life-essential elements found on these cosmic snowballs. The discovery made in data from the Rosetta probe strengthens the idea that life’s ingredients were delivered to Earth by comets.

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Fear response neurons identified as potential anxiety treatment target

Researchers have discovered a set of neurons in the mouse brain that appear to control physiological responses to fear, like heart palpitations and pupil dilations. Tests in mice suggest this region could be a new drug target for anxiety treatments.

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