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Scientists Discovered a Snake That Cartwheels Away From Danger, and It’s Hilarious
Researchers used high-speed cameras to reveal how a tiny Southeast Asian snake rolls away from danger at speeds far faster than slithering.
Scientists discover a promising blood sugar–regulating compound in red alga
It is a dietary staple found in sushi, rice wraps and ramen toppings. Commonly known as nori in Japan and gim in Korea, red seaweed is especially popular across Asia. Yet, despite its widespread consumption, ...
New Richland Lab Could Transform How Scientists Study Microbes and Boost Regional Jobs
The BriefGroundbreaking held Tuesday: PNNL officially began construction on the M2PC lab, a 30,800-square-foot facility funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science that will study soil microbes to improve crop productivity and develop new biotechnology applications. The facility will be open to researchers from around the nation and the world.Research timelines could shrink dramatically: The facility's automation and AI capabilities could reduce experiments that currently take six months to just 72 hours, allowing scientists to explore more possibilities faster than ever before.New jobs coming to the Tri-Cities: The project is expected to create positions for automation engineers, AI experts, roboticists, technicians, and skilled craftspeople, with the facility opening in 2029.RICHLAND, Wash. — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory broke ground Tuesday on a first-of-its-kind facility that could accelerate scientific discoveries about the microscopic organisms living in soil—organisms that may hold the key to growing more food and developing new energy technologies.The Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability, or M2PC, represents a significant investment in automation and artificial intelligence to speed up research that traditionally takes years to complete. The 30,800-square-foot facility will house more than 100 connected automated instruments designed to study microbes at a pace and scale never before possible.Reshaping Agriculture's FutureThe M2PC facility will not put a new tool directly into a farmer's hands tomorrow morning, but it is actively reshaping the commercial pipeline to solve agriculture's biggest headache with biologicals: inconsistent field performance. For years, PNNL researchers have explored how microbes work and how they might help produce useful materials, advance energy technologies, and address challenges involving critical materials and minerals. But those experiments have been limited by what researchers could accomplish by hand."They can be used to provide nutrients to a plant so that the plant would grow more. So, like increasing your crop productivity, for example," said Douglas Mans, PNNL's Associate Laboratory Director for Integrated Discovery Sciences.PNNL's own research shows soil microbes can help plants access nutrients and withstand drought—benefits that could prove crucial as farmers face growing environmental pressures. The M2PC facility will allow scientists to identify and optimize useful microbes faster than ever before, accelerating the development of biological solutions that actually work consistently in the field.What Makes M2PC UniqueThe Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability differs from traditional research labs because it operates as a first-of-its-kind, AI-enabled autonomous laboratory designed to shrink experimental timelines from years down to months or weeks. The M2PC lab will connect more than 100 automated instruments to grow microbes, prepare samples, measure their behavior, and link observations to the molecular processes behind them. Artificial intelligence will help analyze results and guide the next experiments, allowing scientists to explore more questions faster.Deb Gracio, PNNL Director, emphasized the transformative potential during Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony: "Research that has taken years will become possible in months and hopefully in weeks."That acceleration is already being demonstrated. PNNL's smaller automated lab, called the Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform or AMP2, completed three experimental cycles in just 72 hours—a process that normally would have taken about six months."That normally would have taken us about six months … and we were able to do that in 72 hours," Mans said.The AMP2 laboratory is not being closed or replaced. Instead, the current 1,800-square-foot laboratory serves as an active prototype and precursor for the much larger M2PC facility. AMP2 will continue operating as a separate lab designed to run anaerobic experiments—those conducted in the absence of oxygen—while M2PC will focus on aerobic research.Broader Applications Beyond AgricultureWhile improving crop productivity is one important application, the M2PC facility is designed to support research into multiple areas critical to national priorities. The lab will advance research into biofuels, manufacturing materials, and energy technologies. It will also help researchers understand how microbes respond to environmental changes and how to design biological systems for biotechnology applications.As a flagship component of the Department of Energy's Genesis Mission, M2PC represents a significant investment in using artificial intelligence and automation to accelerate U.S. scientific discovery. Dorothy Koch, Associate Director of the DOE Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research program, highlighted the facility's importance during the groundbreaking."M2PC will accelerate biological discovery and design," Koch said, noting that the facility is expected to conduct a minimum of 500 strain experiments per week, 100 microbiome experiments per week, and take a million measurements per month.Economic Opportunity for the RegionBeyond the scientific breakthroughs, the M2PC project represents significant economic opportunity for the Tri-Cities region. The facility will require hiring automation engineers, AI experts, technicians skilled in operating robotics, and specialized craftspeople to build and maintain the sophisticated equipment."We're anticipating that type of hiring," Mans said when asked about job creation.PNNL has already begun recruiting talent nationally and internationally for positions related to the smaller AMP2 lab, bringing automation engineers from cities like Boston and San Francisco to work in the region. The M2PC facility is expected to accelerate that trend."This capability won't really exist anywhere else in the world," Mans said, suggesting the facility could become a draw for scientific talent seeking to work on cutting-edge biotechnology research.Timeline and Next StepsThe M2PC facility is expected to open in 2029. Between now and then, construction crews will level and prepare the ground, while the building takes shape. Simultaneously, Ginkgo Bio Works, the automation contractor, will build the facility's automation components off-site so they can be installed as the building is completed.In the interim, PNNL researchers and the broader scientific community will begin planning the first experiments to be conducted in the facility, ensuring research is lined up and ready to begin as soon as the doors open.The groundbreaking ceremony included representatives from the Department of Energy, PNNL leadership, and elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, underscoring the project's significance to the region and the nation's biotechnology future. News The U.S. Department of Energy Secretary tours Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News Beyond DNA: Scientists Explore New Frontiers in Biology Research Dan Hanson, Apple Valley News Now News TRIDEC optimistic that Hanford, PNNL will see funding in national budget Robert Desaulniers News Big picture science: monitoring the Yakima River Basin News PNNL research could shape the future of fighting fentanyl COPYRIGHT 2026 BY APPLE VALLEY NEWS NOW. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
Oxford scientists discover how viruses build themselves without a blueprint
Scientists have captured virus-like particles assembling themselves step by step, revealing how a surprisingly simple process of trial and error produces complex structures with remarkable precision. The discovery uncovers a crucial molecular turning point that speeds up assembly and could lead to new ways to disrupt viruses and develop vaccines.
NMSU professors collaborate on $1.2 million NASA grant
American third grade classrooms are filled with natural-born scientists – children obsessed with asking why and treating the world as an open-ended laboratory. But as they cross the threshold into...
Scientists Dug Into a Weird Patch on The Seafloor. They Unearthed a Watery Grave
There were bones and teeth.
With Climate-Resilient Crops in Mind, Scientists Tackle a Flaw in Photosynthesis
Rising temperatures and increasing drought are shortening crop growing seasons in many parts of the world. Now scientists in Sweden report new advances toward engineering more efficient photosynthesis, work that could eventually contribute to efforts to adapt crops for climate change
Scientists discover a surprising secret behind the human brain’s wrinkles
Scientists have discovered why common marmosets have unusually small, smooth brains despite starting development much like other primates. The secret lies in subtle changes to brain-building cells that slow neuron production, revealing new clues about how the large, folded human brain evolved.
Hugging Face's new AI model Carbon-X analyzes, generates DNA sequences
Hugging Face's new AI model, Carbon-X, can analyze and generate DNA sequences and help scientists develop new gene therapies, the company says.
AI could turn scientific papers into research assistants
An AI ‘virtual author’ can help scientists use a paper’s methods on new data. But it’s not going to match a human author’s expertise.
Scientists say authors of a controversial government climate report made basic error
Climate contrarians questioned evidence of a human fingerprint on climate change in a report commissioned by the Energy Department. Critics say it was based on flawed analysis.
El Niño Then and Now
A 35-year satellite altimetry record lets scientists hold this year's El Niño up against its strongest predecessors.
Academic Scientists’ Career Confidence Fell Amidst US Policy Changes
A new NBER working paper surveying 916 biomedical PhD students and postdocs found academia-retention intentions fell 22 percentage points in six months.
Scientists Find 46,000-Year-Old Bone Fragments in a Cave, Leading to Groundbreaking Discovery
Six ancient bone fragments found in a Spanish cave belonged to a male Neanderthal, and their well-preserved DNA could reveal new details about his life
A train was delayed by a solar storm. But something didn't add up.
Scientists have cracked a 178-year-old mystery surrounding a train delayed by a solar storm, revealing that the famous incident happened in 1848 rather than 1841. The discovery rewrites the early history of space weather and highlights a threat that still endangers modern power grids, satellites, and communication systems.
Science News unveils its list of 10 scientists making an impact on our world
As a teenager, Gabriela Farfan became fascinated by the shapes and colors of minerals. Now, as curator of gems and minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, she studies what they can reveal about our planet.From corals that preserve chemical signatures of changing oceans to sparkling gemstones, Farfan uses crystal structures, chemistry and spectroscopy to uncover the information trapped inside minerals and show why they’re an essential part of natural history. WASHINGTON, O
Astronomers uncover new secrets of the Universe’s first five minutes
Scientists have achieved a major breakthrough in understanding the Universe’s earliest moments, measuring the amount of helium formed in the first five minutes after the Big Bang with unprecedented precision. Using one of the world’s most powerful telescopes, an international team studied 15 remarkably pristine galaxies that act as cosmic time capsules, preserving clues from nearly 13.8 billion years ago.
Scientists Found a Possible Shortcut to Nuclear Fusion. But There's a Catch Hidden in Reactor Walls
Heating fusion fuel before increasing its density could make ignition easier.
Only one female scientist named in GCSEs, research finds
A new study finds Rosalind Franklin is the only woman named in Key Stage 4 science specifications.
Replication is necessary even if scientists do everything right
“Committing a Type 1 error does not reflect poorly on the quality of the science done,” writes Mark Louie F. Ramos
Upcoming opportunities
🔬 Know a scientist whose sustained service to ASBMB and professional accomplishments have advanced the molecular biosciences? Consider nominating them as an ASBMB Fellow.
Florida State University computer scientist wins $100,000 grand prize at Discovery Days event
A Florida State University computer scientist won a $100,000 grand prize from cybersecurity company ReliaQuest after delivering a winning pitch for Sage,
North Dakota’s prehistoric footprint: Scientists discover T-Rex footprints
Dinosaurs may have disappeared millions of years ago, but they're still leaving their mark on North Dakota.
Ray Archuleta, Barry Fisher, Jim Moseley and more soil health presenters
By Randall Reeder, Ohio No-Till Council Ray Archuleta will present two days: Nov. 10 in Columbiana and Carroll Counties, and Nov. 11 at the Brandt Farm in Fairfield County. Other key presenters will also be on those programs. Ray Archuleta, an internationally known soil scientist (retired from
Bruce Willis, We May Have A Job For You: Scientists Simulate Nuking An Asteroid, And The Results Are Pretty Encouraging
If an asteroid were heading in our direction, a nuclear blast may not be such a bad idea after all.
Among the Academies: The Importance of Talking Politics
How often do you talk politics with friends and family? How about with colleagues? Talking politics might lead to a disagreement, but political scientist Robert Huckfeldt believes that’s a good thing. One way of explaining people’s political beliefs is to make assumptions based on their job, level of income, their religion and other facets of their lives. Huckfeldt, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of political science at UC Davis, thought people’s sources of political information mattered more.
Rare solar radiation storm gives scientists clearest picture yet of flight risks
The most comprehensive data set ever collected from Earth's atmosphere during a solar radiation event has highlighted the importance of better-coordinated radiation monitoring for aviation safety, according ...
Commission announces plan for polar hub to step up research coordination
The European Commission plans to develop an EU polar research hub to strengthen coordination and improve the alignment between science and policy. The objective, according to a Commission official, is to “better connect research, observation and scientific infrastructure, improve access to research resources and strengthen coordination with stakeholders, including Indigenous people.”Announced in a new EU Arctic strategy on October 20, there is little detail yet on how the hub will be implemented, only that it will “reinforce and expand” the European Polar Coordination Office (EPCO), which is hosted and managed by the European Polar Board (EPB) at Umeå University in Sweden. EPCO was born from the EU-PolarNet projects funded through Horizon 2020 and currently coordinates the EU Polar Cluster, a network of EU-funded collaborative polar projects.While the practical details remain to be defined, the decision sends “a clear and positive signal,” said Maria Grigoratou, head of EPCO and executive secretary of EPB. “By reinforcing EPCO, the Commission has an opportunity to build on the legacy of EU-PolarNet 2, strengthen European polar research coordination and expand cooperation with a broader range of Arctic stakeholders,” she told Science|Business.The move has been welcomed by the polar research community. “The polar research hub could play an important role in connecting existing research communities, observation systems and infrastructure, and in bringing scientific knowledge closer to policymaking, in cooperation with local communities and Indigenous people,” said Katrine Moland Hansen, director of operations at Norway’s Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center.But money will be an issue. “It is clear that EPCO will need more resources and structure to function well and to make research reach policymakers,” said Kati Lindström, vice-chair of the Polar Research Committee of the Estonian Academy of Sciences. “European polar research is big if we pool the resources, and it should not only be left to enthusiastic scientists to develop networks of strategic importance in their free time.”The Arctic strategy makes a point of saying that local communities should have a greater involvement in Arctic science. “All EU Arctic research consortia are mandated to invite Indigenous people representatives to participate in projects,” it reads. “The EU also supports research that is directly led by Indigenous communities and address their challenges.”It also underlines the importance of reinforcing collaboration with like-minded partners such as Norway, Iceland, Canada, the UK, Japan and South Korea, as well as deepening its engagement with NATO. This includes the US, with which “the EU is committed to continuing a pragmatic transatlantic engagement based on shared interests and values.”Related articlesViewpoint: Does Europe dare to invest in the Arctic?Anchor Greenlanders in Arctic climate research, experts tell EU ahead of policy updateFor Moland Hansen, this open and inclusive approach to cooperation is encouraging. “The Arctic is also a strong example of why equal participation of associated countries in EU funding instruments matters.”Overall, she finds the new Arctic strategy to be ambitious, timely and comprehensive. “We particularly welcome the recognition that climate change, environmental protection, security, resilience and competitiveness are closely interconnected,” she said. “Research, observations and forecasting capabilities are essential to understanding the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic and addressing these challenges together.”Security focusWhile the Arctic strategy foregrounds security, with pledges to protect undersea cables, boost satellite monitoring, deploy more icebreakers and improve military mobility, the polar community is satisfied that environmental concerns have not been forgotten.“It is inevitable that there is a strong security angle to the EU Arctic strategy, but the impact of climate change and need for climate mitigation and resilience is also strongly recognised and includes a pledge to stay the course on climate commitments,” said Sian Prior, lead advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance, a coalition of campaigning non-profit organisations.“We need to remember that by the time the next Multiannual Financial Framework comes to an end, in 2034, the polar regions, especially the Arctic region, will be living under a new reality when it comes to ecosystem processes, when it comes to the climate,” Grigoratou went on. “And that will affect any ambition that humans may have in the region.”Lindström agreed. “All aspects of European security are dependent on climate change in the Arctic and consequently, on climate science,” she said. “We cannot close our eyes to issues like energy security, critical minerals, northern shipping routes, dual-use technologies and others. However, it remains to be seen how well the promises to protect the environment and Indigenous rights will hold when faced with critical mineral extraction under the Critical Minerals Act.”
Scientists finally uncover why statins can cause muscle pain
Scientists have uncovered a surprising reason why statins, the widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs that help prevent heart attacks and strokes, can sometimes cause muscle pain, weakness, and even severe muscle damage. Using advanced imaging technology, researchers discovered that statins can attach to a crucial protein in muscle cells and force open a channel that normally controls calcium flow. This causes calcium to leak continuously, potentially damaging muscle tissue.
<b>Doctors, engineers and computer scientists leave Israel.</b> Researchers sound alarm
The number of Israelis leaving the country has jumped by dozens of percent over the last three years, while the number of those returning has fallen. Researchers warn of a collapse of the Israeli economy if the trend continues
L'Oréal USA Names 2026 For Women in Science Awardees, Supporting the Future of Scientific Discovery
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, L'Oréal USA announced the 2026 For Women in Science (FWIS) awardees, providing five women postdoctoral scientists grants to advance...
Scientists Transplanted 306 Square Meters of Wild Salt Marsh Into The World's Largest Wave Machine And Let a Simulated Extreme Storm Rip
"We had to bring the salt marsh to the storm."
Ukrainian science part of European security architecture
Ukrainian scientists are already contributing to the development of a new security architecture, including by helping build a drone ecosystem. — Ukrinform.
Catholic social scientists hold conference blending disciplines and faith
Scholars will deliver talks on Catholic teaching in relation to American history, political science, and hot-button issues like artificial intelligence, immigration, and euthanasia.
A tiny defect in a crystal reveals a big quantum surprise
Researchers have solved a long-standing challenge in understanding how tiny defects in materials like diamond and silicon carbide behave when exposed to light. Their new computational method revealed a surprisingly important energy-loss mechanism in silicon carbide that scientists had previously underestimated. The finding helps explain a mystery that has puzzled researchers for years and could improve the design of quantum computers and sensors.
Too much RNA can starve cells of energy, scientists discover
Scientists have uncovered an unexpected danger lurking inside cells: too much RNA can damage the structures responsible for producing energy. A new study found that excess RNA, including the normally essential messenger RNA (mRNA), can directly disrupt mitochondria without relying on the immune system. The discovery could help explain how viral infections and certain aging-related diseases damage cells.
Dal researcher Dr. Rita Orji named Fellow of the International Science Council
Latest international recognition caps a remarkable stretch of honours and recognition for the Dal computer scientist, who has emerged as a global leader in responsible and human-centred AI.
AI deepfakes are getting more realistic. Scientists developed a better way to spot them
Hundreds of the nation's computer scientists gathered for a conference in Denver last fall, and Tuan Tran had a big test for them: Could they tell the difference between the real Brad Pitt and an AI-generated ...
The humble one-celled alga that helped scientists win the Nobel prize
Chlamydomonas and its light-sensing protein help show how memories, feelings and behaviour form in our brains
Computer scientists build innovative tech tools to find experiments, detect citation 'hallucinations'
New York University computer scientists and students have developed a pair of web-hosted AI systems designed to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the research process—by spotting "hallucinations" ...
Scientists Just Discovered That Earth’s Core Is Leaking, and It Has Been for Billions of Years
A new study suggests ancient hydrogen trapped deep inside Earth has been slowly escaping into the mantle for billions of years.
Scientists Transplanted 306 Square Meters of Wild Salt Marsh Into The World's Largest Wave Machine And Let a Simulated Extreme Storm Rip
"We had to bring the salt marsh to the storm."
Scientists discover new squid-like species in Wyoming that lived 160 million years ago
Space science offers common ground for international cooperation
Scientists from more than 20 international and domestic scientific organizations and research institutions gathered in Beijing on Oct. 20 to discuss current challenges in space research at a symposium held as part of the 2026 International Science Council (ISC) Midterm Members' Meeting and Beijing Science Dialogue.
Lost to Science for 89 Years, a Venomous Primate Has Been Sneaking Into People’s Homes and Gardens
Scientists working with Indonesia’s Alobi Wildlife Rescue Center have confirmed that the critically endangered Bangka slow loris—while excellent at hiding—is very much not extinct yet.
Is Mold in Coffee a Real Problem? Here Is What the Science Says Before You Panic
Is mold in your morning coffee actually a problem? Food scientists say probably not and here is why.
Scientists Say Honey Bee Colonies Are Superorganisms and We've Been Understanding Them All Wrong
A radical rethink of honey bee biology challenges how scientists understand swarming and even beekeeping.
Only one female scientist named in GCSEs, research finds
A new study finds Rosalind Franklin is the only woman named in Key Stage 4 science specifications.
CNU Professors Ranked Among World’s Top 2% of Scientists
Four Christopher Newport University professors in the areas of psychology, physics, and chemistry rank in the top 2% of scientists and scholars.
Scientists Discover a Hidden Oxygen Source Deep Inside Earth That Could Rewrite Our Planet’s History
Ancient eruptions may have helped shape the air we breathe, with laboratory experiments revealing magma’s unexpected ability to store extra oxygen. Molten rock deep inside Earth can take up an extra supply of oxygen under pressure, according to a new study. That finding raises the possibility that rising magma could release oxygen on its way
Dental implants can hijack your immune system, scientists discover
Researchers have uncovered a surprising reason dental implant infections often resist antibiotics: the implants themselves can contribute to the problem. Bacteria corrode titanium implants, releasing microscopic particles that hijack immune cells, trigger destructive inflammation, and accelerate jawbone loss.
Scientists left in the dark by National Science Foundation grant application delays
The Major Research Instrumentation program offers grants of up to $4 million to scientists buying research equipment
Science Matters: Protecting Lake Memphremagog’s Health
NEWPORT CITY- A panel of scientists brought surprising news questioning the conclusions of a study of melanoma lesions infecting Brown Bullheads in Lake Memphremagog, PFAS levels in the food you
Scientists Built a Membrane That Breaks Down ‘Forever Chemicals’ Instead of Just Trapping Them
The membrane uses hydrogen and palladium to dismantle troublesome PFAS.
Scientists discover dangerous water oscillations between Lake Varna and Black Sea
For years, pilots have observed strong and unusual currents in the 2.4-kilometer-long (1.5-mile-long), 300-meter-wide (984-foot-wide) canal connecting Lake Varna with the Black Sea. Maarja Kruusmaa, an ...
One of Earth’s most powerful supervolcanoes is refilling with fresh magma
Deep beneath Japan’s Kikai caldera, a massive magma reservoir is refilling 7,300 years after one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions in Earth's recent geological history. Scientists used underwater seismic surveys to reveal a vast store of magma that appears to have accumulated since the ancient catastrophe. The discovery could help explain how supervolcanoes like Yellowstone and Toba rebuild their magma supplies.
Jack Clark: a billion virtual scientists are coming
Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark told the IMF the singularity has begun and AI could put a billion virtual scientists to work if labs can test the results.
Chinese scientists find neurons may act as minicomputers to help decision-making
Researchers find evidence that suggests neural activity can guide the way the brain adapts to different sensory experiences.
Have scientists finally found a way to save the banana from disaster?
With the climate crisis and diseases threatening one of the world’s most popular fruits, researchers are hoping a breakthrough in breeding techniques could give the Cavendish banana a certain future
Scientists discover migration-mediated mechanism enabling bacteria-virus coexistence
Bacteria and the viruses that infect them—known as phages—coexist in soils, oceans and living organisms. Scientists have long thought this coexistence reflects a microscopic version of an evolutionary ...
Trump cuts have hurt Mass. research labs. Scientists hope midterms can ease the pain
Under the second Trump administration, Massachusetts scientists have lost billions in funding, and curtailed more than a dozen clinical trials in the state. Ahead of the midterms, many scientists hope a new Congress will restore stability to federal support and get grant money out the door.
In 1,000+ Kids Who Claimed to Have Past Lives, Their ‘Reincarnation’ Came 12 Months After a Sudden Death
And scientists can’t explain the creepy correlation.
Can scientists forecast earthquakes? A 2026 study offers clues
A decade-long California experiment tested earthquake forecasting models against nearly 600 earthquakes. Here's what it found.
Tracking tsunamis triggered by extreme weather
As much of Western Europe faced record-breaking temperatures and extended drought this summer, Croatia experienced another weather event that could also set a worrisome precedent.Over the course of two weeks, a series of meteorological tsunamis (meteotsunamis) struck Croatia’s Adriatic coast, alarming both residents and tourists. Social media posts showed flooded seaside promenades and people walking through knee-deep water. Fortunately, no deaths or major damage were reported.In a world where natural disasters seem to be increasing, meteotsunamis — tsunamis caused by rapid weather changes – rarely make headline news. But warming sea temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions may help explain why these phenomena could become more common, especially in shallower seas and inland lakes with wide coastal shelves.“We have definitely become more aware of them, and there have been a lot more reports of these events in the last 10 years,” says Jadranka Šepić, an associate professor of environmental physics at the University of Split whose research focuses on efforts to track meteotsunamis in real time. She is also one of Croatia’s ambassadors for Science Comes to Town (SCTT), a European Commission-funded programme aimed at making research more accessible to the public.Šepić sees two possible reasons for the apparent increase in meteotsunamis. One is that photos and videos shared on social media are providing more empirical evidence, while rising air and sea temperatures could also play a role. The geophysicist “cannot say with certainty” that warming is a contributing factor because research is still ongoing. “But I can say that previously in Croatia we might have had one exceptionally strong event every 10 or 15 years, and one strong event every five years, and within 15 days this summer we had five strong events,” Šepić notes. “This is not typical.”‘A fist against the sea surface’Unlike tsunamis that are triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanoes, meteotsunamis are caused by sudden changes in atmospheric pressure combined with other rapidly developing weather events, such as thunderstorms. The effect “is like pushing a fist against the sea surface,” Šepić explains. The resulting oscillation intensifies as it reaches shallower water, and “can be far more destructive than a wind-driven wave because meteotsunamis are accompanied by very strong currents than can penetrate much deeper inland.” The meteotsunami, she continues, “then behaves the same as a tsunami — they slow down and grow as the sea shallows, and then grow further in places like harbours due to further shallowing and narrowing. When they come ashore, they can be very destructive — taking everything with them out to sea and then taking it back.”Croatian research institutions have tracked such sea oscillations since the 1930s because the relatively shallow Adriatic Sea is prone to meteotsunamis. The strongest recorded so far was in June 1978, according to the Adriatic Meteotsunami Catalogue, which is supported by the European Research Council (ERC), Croatian Science Foundation and the country’s leading research institutions. During that event, six-metre-high waves flooded the coastal town of Vela Luka on Korčula Island, causing major damage.Other meteotsunami “hotspots” in Europe include the Mediterranean Sea as well the Atlantic coastal shelves off France, Portugal and Spain. In June 2006, a meteotsunami with five-metre-high waves swept through the harbour of Ciutadella in Spain’s Balearic Islands, causing widespread damage to boats. Several less powerful events were reported in the Balearics and off the coast of Spain this summer, leading to some beach closures.Forecasting is challenging because of how quickly meteotsunamis can develop and their uncertain trajectory. Šepić is involved in two ERC-funded research projects — SHExtreme and MeD-Track — aimed in part at strengthening monitoring and real-time data collection. Access to accurate and immediate information is essential for early-warning systems.Early exposure to meteotsunamisŠepić first learned about meteotsunamis from her parents while growing up in Croatia. She later had the opportunity to investigate these events during her master and doctoral studies in geophysics at the University of Zagreb. The geophysicist has also conducted research at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries in Split, the University of the Balearic Islands in Palma de Mallorca and the Institute of Ocean Science in the Canadian province of British Columbia.Projects like SCTT are important to raise awareness about research and inspiring young people to pursue studies and careers in science, notes Šepić. She credits her colleagues at the University of Split and the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries for their community outreach and engagement in the European project, which includes partner universities and institutions in Brest (France) and Kiel (Germany). As an example of town-gown collaboration, Šepić highlights her own university’s ‘Oceanographers on the Island’ programme. This initiative offers workshops and hands-on learning for children living on numerous Croatian islands.“It is a great privilege for Split to be involved in a project like Science Comes to Town, which is the first of its kind in the European Union," Šepić says. As for encouraging new generations of scientists, “This is a great effort, and I hope that we will see an effect in a few years.”Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Zapata Quantum Adds Peter Shor and Three Scientists to Advisory Board
Zapata Quantum has appointed Peter Shor and three researchers to its advisory board, adding expertise in quantum algorithms, error correction
Scientists can now 'watermark' AI-generated proteins to deter bioweapon creation. But will it really work?
A new technology encodes an invisible mark into the structure of AI-generated proteins, but experts said the system's guardrails can still be bypassed.
Experts: How are climate scientists using artificial intelligence?
Carbon Brief spoke to 10 experts working across a range of climate-related fields about how AI is being used
Good to see you after all this time. Scientists finally put a face to Denisovans
Scientists use fossil fragments found in northern China to reconstruct the features of the ancient hominids.
Scientists Left AI Alone on a Deserted Island With Nothing to Do. It Invented Games and Started Behaving Like Children at Play
With no assigned goals, AI agents created their own challenges — and learned from them.
A Bizarre Plastic-Eating Enzyme Has a Second Talent That Worries Scientists
Plastic can fool nature’s cleanup crew, but one bacterial enzyme knows exactly where to bite.
Japanese Scientists Find Method to Support Sustainable Polyester Recycling
The process uses a supercritical carbon dioxide treatment.
Scientists Found a Surprising Link Between Intelligence and How Attractive You Think You Are
New research found that people who scored higher on intelligence tests tended to rate their own looks slightly lower, but the difference was small.
Several S&T researchers among top 2% cited scientists in their fields
A total of 94 current and former researchers affiliated with Missouri S&T are among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists recognized either for their career-long impact or for their 2025 metrics, according to a Stanford University analysis of the Elsevier Data Repository....Continue Reading Several S&T researchers among top 2% cited scientists in their fields
Lake Explorer II Research Vessel scientists show off operations and equipment
Wednesday brought in a once in a lifetime opportunity for science lovers. They got to board the Lake Explorer II, a Great Lakes research vessel and learn about their operations
Something smells different as scientists send aromas over the internet
One day, you may be able to easily smell what you are looking at when browsing online. Sending smells over the internet has long been a dream, and while it may seem far-fetched, researchers have now taken ...
A nanoparticle revealed the tiny impact of a single gas atom
The force exerted by a gas usually results from many atoms or molecules at once. But scientists isolated the force of a lone particle.
Political scientist explains why race, not class, is at the heart of America’s 'democratic crisis'
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, a new book examines America’s “racial hierarchy” and how it shaped the nation’s power structure.
Scientists Say AI Can Plant False Memories—and It’s Slowly Decaying Your Mind
Study after study shows that humans reliant on AI will misremember past events or even fabricate details completely.
Indian scientists identify Martian analogue sites
Kerala researchers identify Martian analogue sites in Tamil Nadu and Atacama Desert via hydrous sulfates, aiding Mars paleoenvironments study.
Birds are more afraid of women than men. Scientists have no idea why
Scientists have uncovered a strange pattern in urban bird behavior: Across five European countries and 37 species, birds consistently fled sooner when approached by women than men. Researchers have no clear explanation for the difference, raising intriguing questions about how birds recognize and respond to humans.
A massive asteroid slammed into the North Sea and unleashed a 330-foot tsunami
A decades-long mystery beneath the North Sea has finally been solved. Scientists have confirmed that the Silverpit Crater, buried 700 meters below the seabed, was created when a 160-meter-wide asteroid struck Earth roughly 43 to 46 million years ago. The violent collision blasted a towering curtain of rock and water 1.5 kilometers into the air and triggered a tsunami more than 100 meters high.
Scientists trapped a single antimatter particle for months
The scientists captured a single positron and confined it using carefully controlled electric and magnetic fields.
Gene editing scientists slowed down for safety. Could AI leaders follow their guide?
Some of the leaders of the AI race are calling for a slowdown, for safety's sake. Viewed in economics terms, it's a collective action problem: no one wants to slow down unless everyone does.
A revolutionary new microscope could reveal the hidden machinery of life
Researchers have developed a revolutionary microscope that uses an incredibly powerful laser to make previously invisible cellular structures easier to see. The technology dramatically improves image clarity, allowing scientists to examine small proteins that conventional electron microscopes struggle to capture. It could eventually reveal how tiny molecular machines interact inside cells, providing an unprecedented look at the hidden workings of life.
Scientists Dug Into a Weird Patch on The Seafloor. They Unearthed a Watery Grave
There were bones and teeth.
Is Mold in Coffee a Real Problem? Here Is What the Science Says Before You Panic
Is mold in your morning coffee actually a problem? Food scientists say probably not and here is why.
In China, scientists found a nearly 5-pound fungus so unique it required a new family
The team also found signs that the fungus may spend part of its life hidden inside living trees.
U.K. exam board science specifications reveal gender gap that may influence girls' STEM choices
An absence of women scientists in U.K. exam board specifications for science could be a factor in the disproportionate number of girls dropping STEM subjects at 16 and contribute to the gender gap in ...
Perceptions of science and scientists shape partisan views on common vaccines
How Americans view science and scientists is strongly associated with whether they think vaccines are safe and effective - and helps explain partisan differences in perceptions of some vaccines, according to a new study led by a team from the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania.
Nobel-Winning Computer Scientist Says AI Has Become Conscious: "We're Toast"
Geoffrey Hinton, one of the godfathers of AI, says we need to get on AI's side now or else humankind is "toast."
Scientists Found a Bizarre Pattern in Over 1,000 Cases of Alleged Human Reincarnation
This is spooky!
Scientists Just Cracked a Quantum Mystery That's Puzzled Physicists For Decades
The Kondo effect conquered.
Docktober invites folks to join citizen scientists in peeking under docks
Oregon naturalist leads the global Docktober movement, encouraging citizen scientists to discover and document the marine life thriving beneath public docks.
Maui Coral Reef Holds Secrets Of The Past
Scientists have studied a two-century-old coral core from Maui's Olowalu reef, revealing how land use has impacted reef health.
Scientists Use Ancient Rains to Map the Possible Origin Life on Mars
Billions of years ago, rain may have helped shape where the chemistry of life could begin on Mars. A new study maps how formaldehyde, an important prebiotic molecule, may have reached the surface. This map could help guide future missions searching for signs of past life on Mars.
New lab to become centre for investigating uplands
The research facility in Penrith will also help train the next generation of environmental scientists.
America's butterflies fell 22%, and scientists say it's an early warning sign
"[Be] really cognizant of what chemicals and materials you are using outdoors and indoors."
The SUEZ Foundation and the Institut Pasteur join forces to promote women's access to scientific careers
The Institut Pasteur and the SUEZ Foundation have announced a three-year partnership designed to inspire young women to pursue scientific careers, support female scientists in their professional development, and foster the emergence of a new generation of women in the fields of health and the environment.
Something smells different as scientists send aromas over the internet
One day, you may be able to easily smell what you are looking at when browsing online. Sending smells over the internet has long been a dream, and while it may seem far-fetched, researchers have now taken ...