From Ars Technica · 40 stories
Fruit Flies Retain Larval Diet Memory, Influencing Adult Longevity
A RIKEN study found that fruit flies remember their larval diet into adulthood, which affects their lifespan. A protein carries this nutritional record, demonstrating that early-life protein restriction can extend longevity at the cost of reproduction.
Firefox 157 Redesign Aims to Attract Broader User Base Beyond Privacy Advocates
Firefox released version 157 with a redesigned interface for desktop and mobile platforms. The update seeks to expand Firefox's user base by appealing to users who prioritize user experience over competitors like Chrome, Edge, and Safari.
Scientists clarify earliest recorded space weather disruption to technology
A new paper suggests an 1841 report of space weather disrupting rail travel in Exeter was likely a typo, with the actual event occurring later. This research clarifies the historical timeline of space weather impacts on early electrical technologies, predating the 1859 Carrington Event.
FDA Nominee Heidi Overton Dodges Questions on Trump's False Vaccine Claims
Heidi Overton, President Trump's nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration, faced Senate committee questions regarding her stances on various health issues and her objectivity. Overton contradicted Trump's false claims about the MMR vaccine but repeatedly avoided answering whether the President could be wrong. This raises concerns about her independence and ability to lead a scientific agency impartially.
Formula 1 Considers 3.0L V8 Turbos and Smaller Hybrids for 2030 Regulations
Formula 1 is reportedly considering new power unit regulations for 2030, potentially featuring 3.0L V8 turbo engines and smaller hybrid components. This shift aims to address the limitations of the current 2026 hybrid rules, which have been deemed too ambitious due to battery capacity issues.
XPRIZE Wildfire competition concludes without grand prize winners for detection or suppression
The $11 million XPRIZE Wildfire competition ended without awarding grand prizes in its space-based detection and autonomous response tracks. While no team fully met the stringent 10-minute detection and suppression criteria, the competition highlighted emerging technologies for wildfire management.
Small undersea volcanoes may generate large tsunamis due to caldera collapse
Research on the 2022 Hunga eruption suggests that rapid caldera collapse in undersea volcanoes, even small ones, can amplify tsunamis. This finding indicates that many underwater volcanoes could pose a greater tsunami risk than previously understood, highlighting a gap in current scientific understanding of these events.
Dyson CameraJet Electric Toothbrush Pulled from Stores Due to Waterproofing Issues
Dyson's new CameraJet electric toothbrush, launched earlier this month, has been pulled from stores globally due to reports of water entering the battery compartment and device failures. The $499 device, which features a camera and fluid-targeting system, experienced user complaints and review unit failures shortly after its September 8 US launch.
Ferrari Releases Purosangue, a Four-Door, Four-Seat "Ferrari Utility Vehicle"
Ferrari has released the Purosangue, its first four-door, four-seat vehicle, which it terms a "Ferrari Utility Vehicle" (FUV) rather than an SUV. The Purosangue features a 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 engine and all-wheel drive, marking a departure from Ferrari's traditional two-seat sports cars while still catering to passenger capacity.
James Webb Space Telescope observes changes in Chariklo's rings over a decade
Observations using the James Webb Space Telescope revealed that the rings around the minor planet Chariklo have changed significantly since their discovery in 2013. One ring became denser, while the other nearly disappeared, indicating that rings around small bodies are not static structures.
Cortical Cells Identified as Initiators of Sleep Rhythms, Challenging Prior Assumptions
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine identified a population of cortical cells, called Sst-Chodl neurons, that can initiate sleep rhythms in the brain. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that sleep is primarily controlled by subcortical regions, suggesting the cortex plays a more active role in sleep induction.
Over 30 people poisoned by bacterial toxins from IV glutathione drips at wellness clinics
More than 30 individuals across four states were poisoned by bacterial toxins after receiving intravenous (IV) drips containing glutathione at wellness clinics. The issue stems from compounding pharmacies using dietary supplement-grade glutathione powder, not suitable for sterile injectable drugs, in these IV products. This incident highlights risks associated with unregulated wellness treatments and the improper use of ingredients.
International Meteor Organization Suffers Cyberattack, Causing Weeks of Downtime
The International Meteor Organization (IMO) experienced a cyberattack that severely damaged its aging infrastructure, leading to partial website downtime for several weeks. This incident disrupts the IMO's role in coordinating meteor observations and maintaining essential databases for the astronomical community.
Federal Judge Rules Email to ICE Official Not a Criminal Threat, Blocks Prosecution
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing ICE from prosecuting an individual for an email sent to an ICE official. The ruling determined that the email, which criticized the official's actions, constituted protected speech rather than a criminal threat.
Neutrino Flavor Changes May Explain Supernova Discrepancies
A new paper in Physical Review D suggests that neutrino flavor changes could resolve inconsistencies in current supernova models. This research addresses the discrepancy between observed supernova rates and star formation, as well as the 'mass gap' in black hole formation.
Plaintiff in torrent tracker lawsuit dismisses claims after identity dispute
A plaintiff suing private torrent trackers for copyright infringement voluntarily dismissed his claims after being accused of impersonating the actual filmmaker. The plaintiff, who used the name Matthew Schneider, claimed to have coincidentally made films with the same titles as another filmmaker, leading to suspicions of a revenge plot by a banned user.
Mathematical model explores game theory with evolving strategies and random rewards
Researchers developed a mathematical model to study game theory scenarios where strategies evolve and rewards vary randomly. This approach addresses limitations of traditional game theory, which typically assumes constant rewards, by better reflecting real-world strategic choices.
Bouncy Castle Outbreak Infects 48 Children with MRSA in Ireland
An outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infected 48 children in an Irish community after exposure at a party with bouncy castles. The infections, caused by a rare, toxin-producing MRSA strain, led to skin and soft-tissue issues, with four children requiring hospitalization, though all recovered.
Proteomics Reveals New Details on Ancient Egyptian Adhesives and Binders
Researchers used mass spectrometry-based proteomics to analyze glues and adhesives in ancient Egyptian artifacts, identifying plant proteins from sesame and drumstick tree cereals alongside expected animal proteins. This research provides new insights into ancient material composition, aiding conservation efforts and understanding historical manufacturing techniques.
Drones used for flood relief in Nepal, delivering food and recovering bodies
Chinese-made DJI FlyCart 100 drones are being used by the Nepalese army to deliver aid and recover bodies following devastating flash floods. These drones carry up to 132 pounds of supplies per trip, assisting in disaster relief efforts in remote areas.
Artemis II Commander and Pilot Become NASA's First Astronaut Emeriti
Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover, commander and pilot of the Artemis II mission, are the first astronauts to join NASA's emeritus program. This program allows them to support Johnson Space Center by training and mentoring while pursuing external opportunities, with Glover taking an administrative leadership role at Cal Poly.
New Study Finds The Beatles Are Most Referenced Musical Group in Scientific Literature
A new paper published in PLoS ONE indicates that The Beatles are the most frequently referenced musical group in scientific research publications, surpassing other artists like Bob Dylan and The Clash. This finding highlights a playful aspect of scientific writing, where researchers incorporate popular culture allusions into their work.
Fall Vaccine Rollout Expected to Proceed Smoothly Despite Prior Disruptions
The rollout of updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines for the fall season is anticipated to be largely smooth, with shots already arriving at pharmacies. This occurs despite previous disruptions involving the CDC's vaccine advisory committee and actions by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, which had temporarily voided policy changes.
Prime Video Releases Full Trailer for Mike Flanagan's Carrie Miniseries
Prime Video has released the full trailer for Mike Flanagan's upcoming six-episode Carrie miniseries. Flanagan stated that the series is not a straight adaptation of the novel but an "urgent and arresting reinvention" that expands the world and characters.
GOG releases printable "big box" PC game templates for five titles
GOG has introduced downloadable 3D models and printable packaging scans for five classic PC games, allowing users to recreate physical "big box" packaging. This initiative aims to preserve the physical aesthetic of older PC games, similar to how GOG preserves game compatibility on modern systems.
ESA Astronaut Sophie Adenot Pays Tribute to Star Trek from ISS
European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot wore a Star Trek Delta badge on the International Space Station to celebrate the franchise's 60th anniversary. This gesture highlights the shared themes of exploration and scientific cooperation between Star Trek and real-world space endeavors.
Chinese Scientists Develop Eggshell-Inspired Aluminum for Spacecraft Protection
Chinese scientists have developed a new aluminum material, inspired by the mechanical properties of eggshells, to protect spacecraft from increasing space debris. This material aims to offer enhanced protection against debris fragments, addressing a growing problem as more satellites and spacecraft are launched into orbit.
Free Stars: Children of Infinity Releases Free Combat Demo on Steam and GOG
Free Stars: Children of Infinity, the sequel to The Ur-Quan Masters, has released a free combat demo after five years of development. This demo features arcade-style space combat with nearly 40 ships, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, allowing players to experience a core gameplay mechanic of the upcoming space adventure RPG.
Fire at Lake Mariner AI Data Center Reveals Safety Lapses and Complex Ownership
A fire at the unfinished Lake Mariner AI data center in New York exposed significant safety deficiencies, including non-functional alarms, suppression systems, and hydrants, according to local fire officials. The incident highlights potential risks in large-scale AI infrastructure projects and the complexities of their corporate structures.
BepiColombo Mission Jettisons Propulsion Module, Nearing Mercury Orbit After Eight Years
The BepiColombo mission, a joint European, Japanese, and US effort, jettisoned its Mercury Transfer Module this week, signaling the final approach to Mercury after an eight-year journey. This event marks a critical step before the spacecraft attempts to enter Mercury's orbit later this year, utilizing a complex trajectory and propulsion system to reach the inner planet.
Sheeppox virus DNA extracted from medieval manuscripts reveals 3,500-year evolution
Scientists extracted and sequenced sheeppox virus DNA from medieval manuscript parchment, which is made from animal skins. This research reconstructs the virus's evolution over 3,500 years, providing insight into past disease outbreaks in animals.
Pentagon withdraws new testosterone screening policy for military personnel
The Pentagon rescinded its recently issued clinical guidance for mandatory testosterone screening for military personnel, citing a need for updates. The policy, announced in July, was withdrawn just one day after its release, with an interim guidance remaining in effect.
Valve Orchestrated Leaked Left 4 Dead 2 Trailer to Bypass ESRB Restrictions in 2009
Former Valve writer Chet Faliszek revealed that Valve intentionally leaked the Left 4 Dead 2 trailer in 2009 to circumvent the ESRB's marketing guidelines. This tactic allowed Valve to promote the game with content that would otherwise have been restricted by the rating board.
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology develops Spi-Fly algorithm for electronic noses
Researchers at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology developed Spi-Fly, a new algorithm for electronic noses, which improves their ability to retain memory of scents. This development addresses a limitation in current electronic noses, which often forget previously learned odors when new ones are introduced.
Ig Nobel Prizes Announce 2026 Winners and Relocate Ceremony to Europe
The Ig Nobel Prizes for 2026 have been announced, recognizing research on topics such as splash-free urinals and the aerodynamics of nose-blowing. The annual ceremony will move from Boston to Zurich, Switzerland, and other European cities due to safety concerns for international attendees traveling to the US.
US House Passes Spending Bill Blocking Political Control Over Science Grants
The US House of Representatives passed a stopgap spending measure that includes a provision preventing the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from implementing new rules giving political appointees control over federal science grants. This temporary block, effective until December 11, offers a reprieve for the scientific community which widely opposed the proposed OMB rules.
Toyohiro Akiyama, First Japanese Citizen and Journalist in Space, Dies at 84
Toyohiro Akiyama, the first Japanese citizen and journalist to travel to space, has died at 84 from lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Akiyama flew to the Mir space station in 1990 as a correspondent for Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS), making him the first commercially sponsored cosmonaut and the first journalist to report from space.
Astronomers discover new celestial object, dubbed a "black hole star," using James Webb Space Telescope data
Astronomers analyzing James Webb Space Telescope data identified a new celestial object, named a "black hole star," which is star-sized but emits energy comparable to an active black hole. This discovery challenges existing astrophysical classifications and provides new insights into early universe objects.
Raindrops Carry Electrical Charge, Causing Corrosion by Punching Holes in Coatings
A study by the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research found that raindrops carry an electrical charge up to 9,000 volts, which can electrically puncture insulating coatings on surfaces. This mechanism, called "slide electrification," offers a new explanation for rain-induced corrosion beyond chemical and abrasive effects. This finding changes the understanding of how rain causes corrosion, potentially influencing the development of protective coatings.
Study finds current El Niño stronger than any in the last 1,000 years
A new study analyzing fossilized Galápagos corals found that recent El Niño events are stronger than any recorded in the past millennium. This research provides insight into how global warming might be influencing the intensity of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) system.