Dark Matter Detector Records Its Most Compelling Hint Yet

LUX-ZEPLIN detector records single event that may be dark matter The international team found one particle interaction in 220 days of data that cannot be explained by known background processes, though it does not yet meet the threshold for a discovery. Researchers estimate there is only about a 0.5 percent chance the event is a background fluke, and more data will be needed to confirm or refute it. 1234

Rocky planets may have formed almost from the universe's start New findings indicate the early universe already had the ingredients and conditions to build rocky planets, much earlier than many models assumed. The work could reshape understanding of when Earth-like worlds first appeared. 5

Sun's galactic journey and superflares may have shaped Earth's climate NASA-funded studies suggest the heliosphere's passage through dense regions of the Milky Way influenced ancient ice ages, while powerful eruptions from the young Sun may have kept early Earth warm enough for liquid water. The findings add a new layer to explanations of Earth's climate history. 6

Physicists observe optical Magnus effect for the first time Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute showed that a tightly focused laser beam interacts with a trapped ion slightly off-center, the optical counterpart of the Magnus effect seen in spinning balls. The effect could cause errors in laser-controlled quantum computers, but might also be used to couple qubits. 7

Peptides can fold into stable structures in Venus-like acid conditions MIT researchers found that short peptides remain stable and adopt defined three-dimensional shapes in concentrated sulfuric acid, similar to the clouds of Venus. The results suggest life's building blocks could survive on planets very different from Earth. 8

JWST captures a distant centaur awakening into a comet Observations of Centaur 450P/LONEOS with JWST and Gemini North detected carbon dioxide gas, icy dust and signs of recent thermal activity. The findings offer a rare look at how primitive outer-solar-system bodies evolve into Jupiter-family comets. 9

Dodder plants stole and remodeled a gene from another species Researchers traced how the parasitic dodder acquired the CYP81Q gene by horizontal gene transfer and kept its antioxidant-producing function despite millions of years of structural remodeling. The work shows stolen genes can continue evolving inside their new host. 10

New mechanism found for how immune cells adapt under demand University of Liverpool researchers discovered that alternative splicing of FERMT3 fine-tunes kindlin-3, letting neutrophils adjust their adhesion during infection and recovery. The finding, published in Blood, sheds light on a rare immune deficiency and could inform future treatments. 11

Heavy coffee intake linked to lower bone density in older women A 10-year study of nearly 10,000 women aged 65 and older found tea drinking was tied to slightly higher hip bone density, while more than five cups of coffee a day was associated with lower density. Moderate coffee consumption showed no apparent harm. 12

Chemical reactions in atmospheric aerosols are surprisingly selective Researchers found that acid-mediated reactions inside tiny airborne droplets strongly favor one molecular shape, with a single pathway accounting for about 93 percent of products. The discovery could improve understanding of how aerosols affect clouds and climate. 13

Gene-editing research expands to younger children with blood disorders New clinical evidence is prompting earlier conversations about gene editing as a potentially curative option for children with inherited blood disorders. The AMA report highlights a shift toward treating younger patients. 14