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Researchers at Stanford and the Arc Institute have used generative genome models to design and synthesise bacteriophage genomes; 16 of the lab-made viruses proved viable and a cocktail of them rapidly killed E. coli strains resistant to natural phages. Experts have warned the work has raised urgent biosafety and biosecurity questions about AI-designed genomes.
A 481-meter tsunami at Tracy Arm fjord in August 2025 has been confirmed as the second-tallest in modern records. Scientists link the event to a large landslide and glacier retreat, warning that climate-driven changes are increasing the risk of similar, high-energy waves in fjord coastal settings.
A Science study has found that large-scale, sudden cuts to USAID funding have correlated with a significant rise in conflict in Africa’s USAID-dependent regions. Researchers say the abrupt withdrawal disrupted contracts, staffing and procurement, and note the finding shows the effect of an unexpected disruption rather than that aid alone reduces conflict.
New research shows wildfire emissions have reversed progress on ground-level ozone, with ozone levels rising since 2015 and linked to more than 300 premature deaths annually. The study combines satellite data, EPA records and AI models to fill monitoring gaps, warning that climate-driven fires will worsen air quality unless emissions fall.
Global mapping shows arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi link to plant roots and store hundreds of megatons of carbon, revealing their critical role in the Earth’s carbon cycle and the sensitivity of these underground networks to land use.
Recent studies show California’s San Andreas and San Jacinto faults are under stress at levels not seen in a millennium, raising the risk of a large, multi-fault rupture. Cajon Pass could act as a bridge or barrier, and preparedness measures are urged as hazard models improve with physics-based simulations.
A new Science study shows remote-capable workers experience increased distress and isolation, while others report benefits from flexibility. The debate now centers on balancing performance with well-being as employers address the mental health impact.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, a 10-year program that will image the southern sky every few nights. The telescope has started regular operations from its Chilean mountaintop site and is already returning new detections, including thousands of asteroids and transient views such as Comet 3I/ATLAS.
Norfolk Island’s coral reefs are facing widespread disease linked to sediment, cattle manure, wastewater and fertilizer runoff. Scientists warn a longer El Niño could raise water temperatures, triggering bleaching and reef loss. Kingston Pier dredging plans add to the threat as regulators issue environment approvals.
Astronomers have detected helium escaping from LHS 1140b, a rocky 'super-Earth' 48 light-years away that orbits in its star's habitable zone. The finding has confirmed an atmosphere around a habitable-zone rocky exoplanet for the first time and has been published in Science; teams used ground-based infrared spectroscopy and modelling.
Novo Nordisk has filed a US lawsuit accusing Eli Lilly of false advertising over weight‑loss and diabetes drugs, arguing Lilly used outdated trial data to claim superiority. Lilly defends its campaigns, citing SURMOUNT‑5 results. The case centers on GLP-1 treatments and the race for market dominance, with potential damages and corrective advertising at stake.
New genetic analysis of Chilean mummies links smallpox to European strains, providing the strongest outside-Americas connection yet and clarifying how the disease spread during colonization. Two ancient infections date to 1492–1631, suggesting European origins for the American strains.