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Keep exploring and earning more as a member. Live Science Quizzes Play quick, fun science games Learn about the natural world Latest space news Read about discoveries from beyond Earth Explore your membership benefits. Go beyond the headlines Keep exploring with your premium access. Science Spotlight Does estrogen protect against dementia? And if so, who should take it? ANALYSIS | Recent research hints that systemic hormone replacement therapy for menopause may reduce the risk of dementia. But more data is needed to reach a definitive conclusion, experts told Live Science. ANALYSIS | Recent research hints that systemic hormone replacement therapy for menopause may reduce the risk of dementia. But more data is needed to reach a definitive conclusion, experts told Live Science. Space Photo of the Week Haunting Hubble 'bubble' image captures cosmic cycle of destruction and creation A spectacular new Hubble Space Telescope image reveals almost 30,000 newborn stars around an enormous cavity carved into a stellar nursery in a neighboring galaxy. Science crossword Live Science crossword puzzle #61: Largest living land animals — 4 across Test your knowledge on all things science with our weekly, free crossword puzzle! Fall stargazing 2026: The best skywatching sights in autumn (and how to see them) As longer nights draw in over the fall, we see the return of some stargazing favorites, including the Andromeda Galaxy, the Pleiades star cluster and the first supermoon of the season. Space Photo of the Week Haunting Hubble 'bubble' image captures cosmic cycle of destruction and creation A spectacular new Hubble Space Telescope image reveals almost 30,000 newborn stars around an enormous cavity carved into a stellar nursery in a neighboring galaxy. A spectacular new Hubble Space Telescope image reveals almost 30,000 newborn stars around an enormous cavity carved into a stellar nursery in a neighboring galaxy. Science crossword Live Science crossword puzzle #61: Largest living land animals — 4 across Test your knowledge on all things science with our weekly, free crossword puzzle! Test your knowledge on all things science with our weekly, free crossword puzzle! Fall stargazing 2026: The best skywatching sights in autumn (and how to see them) As longer nights draw in over the fall, we see the return of some stargazing favorites, including the Andromeda Galaxy, the Pleiades star cluster and the first supermoon of the season. As longer nights draw in over the fall, we see the return of some stargazing favorites, including the Andromeda Galaxy, the Pleiades star cluster and the first supermoon of the season. Physics & Mathematics Scientists used a powerful laser to melt diamonds ‪—‬ and solved a decades-old mystery Scientists blasted diamonds with lasers to get the best measurement of the mineral's melting point yet. The new, more accurate numbers could help improve fusion experiments and studies of giant planets. By Damien Pine Published 12 September 26 Physics & Mathematics Cancer AI trained to 'think' like human pathologists may be better at spotting cancer Researchers trained AI on how expert pathologists look for signs of cancer in patient samples, improving the algorithm's effectiveness. By Niba @NotesByNiba Published 12 September 26 Cancer The Moon When does September's full Harvest Moon rise? When does the next full moon rise? Find out exactly when to see the full moons of 2026, including the full "Harvest Moon" in September. By Jamie Carter Last updated 11 September 26 The Moon Extinct species 'Oddly shaped rock' unearthed in California turns out to be 'immaculate' mastodon molar A field survey in San Mateo County, California, has revealed the fossilized tooth of an adult Pacific mastodon, an ice-age giant that was probably native to the West Coast. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Extinct species Climate change 'There are no easy answers here': New study forecasts a dire dip in food production if key Atlantic currents collapse Researchers have examined how weakening currents in the Atlantic Ocean could impact global agriculture — and the results are concerning. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Climate change Extraterrestrial Life Fragments of ancient alien tech may litter the moon — and scientists have a plan to find them Researchers propose that tiny technological remnants left over from extinct alien civilizations could have landed on the moon after traveling through interstellar space. It may not take long to find them, the team claims. By Harry Baker Published 11 September 26 Extraterrestrial Life Physics & Mathematics Scientists used a powerful laser to melt diamonds ‪—‬ and solved a decades-old mystery Scientists blasted diamonds with lasers to get the best measurement of the mineral's melting point yet. The new, more accurate numbers could help improve fusion experiments and studies of giant planets. By Damien Pine Published 12 September 26 Physics & Mathematics Scientists blasted diamonds with lasers to get the best measurement of the mineral's melting point yet. The new, more accurate numbers could help improve fusion experiments and studies of giant planets. Cancer AI trained to 'think' like human pathologists may be better at spotting cancer Researchers trained AI on how expert pathologists look for signs of cancer in patient samples, improving the algorithm's effectiveness. By Niba @NotesByNiba Published 12 September 26 Cancer Researchers trained AI on how expert pathologists look for signs of cancer in patient samples, improving the algorithm's effectiveness. The Moon When does September's full Harvest Moon rise? When does the next full moon rise? Find out exactly when to see the full moons of 2026, including the full "Harvest Moon" in September. By Jamie Carter Last updated 11 September 26 The Moon When does the next full moon rise? Find out exactly when to see the full moons of 2026, including the full "Harvest Moon" in September. Extinct species 'Oddly shaped rock' unearthed in California turns out to be 'immaculate' mastodon molar A field survey in San Mateo County, California, has revealed the fossilized tooth of an adult Pacific mastodon, an ice-age giant that was probably native to the West Coast. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Extinct species A field survey in San Mateo County, California, has revealed the fossilized tooth of an adult Pacific mastodon, an ice-age giant that was probably native to the West Coast. Climate change 'There are no easy answers here': New study forecasts a dire dip in food production if key Atlantic currents collapse Researchers have examined how weakening currents in the Atlantic Ocean could impact global agriculture — and the results are concerning. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Climate change Researchers have examined how weakening currents in the Atlantic Ocean could impact global agriculture — and the results are concerning. Extraterrestrial Life Fragments of ancient alien tech may litter the moon — and scientists have a plan to find them Researchers propose that tiny technological remnants left over from extinct alien civilizations could have landed on the moon after traveling through interstellar space. It may not take long to find them, the team claims. By Harry Baker Published 11 September 26 Extraterrestrial Life Researchers propose that tiny technological remnants left over from extinct alien civilizations could have landed on the moon after traveling through interstellar space. It may not take long to find them, the team claims. All the science, none of the distractions. No ads on any Live Science articles. No pop-ups. Full access to everything. Trusted, in-depth stories available only to Pro members. The latest science direct from the most respected people in their fields. Exclusive newsletter. Members-only area. Full access to content. Live Science Shorts Space Photo of the Week Haunting Hubble 'bubble' image captures cosmic cycle of destruction and creation A spectacular new Hubble Space Telescope image reveals almost 30,000 newborn stars around an enormous cavity carved into a stellar nursery in a neighboring galaxy. By Jamie Carter Published 13 September 26 Space Venus Why is Venus hotter than Mercury, when Mercury is closer to the sun? Despite being farther from the sun, Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, and the reason has little to do with proximity to a star. By Olivia Maule Published 12 September 26 Venus The Moon When does September's full Harvest Moon rise? When does the next full moon rise? Find out exactly when to see the full moons of 2026, including the full "Harvest Moon" in September. By Jamie Carter Last updated 11 September 26 The Moon Extraterrestrial Life Fragments of ancient alien tech may litter the moon — and scientists have a plan to find them Researchers propose that tiny technological remnants left over from extinct alien civilizations could have landed on the moon after traveling through interstellar space. It may not take long to find them, the team claims. By Harry Baker Published 11 September 26 Extraterrestrial Life Mercury Mercury is shrinking more than we thought — and it's hiding the evidence from us Mercury may be shrinking much faster than we thought — and that could reveal new clues about its violent origins. By Elizabeth Howell Published 10 September 26 Mercury Space Photo of the Week Haunting Hubble 'bubble' image captures cosmic cycle of destruction and creation A spectacular new Hubble Space Telescope image reveals almost 30,000 newborn stars around an enormous cavity carved into a stellar nursery in a neighboring galaxy. By Jamie Carter Published 13 September 26 Space A spectacular new Hubble Space Telescope image reveals almost 30,000 newborn stars around an enormous cavity carved into a stellar nursery in a neighboring galaxy. Venus Why is Venus hotter than Mercury, when Mercury is closer to the sun? Despite being farther from the sun, Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, and the reason has little to do with proximity to a star. By Olivia Maule Published 12 September 26 Venus Despite being farther from the sun, Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system, and the reason has little to do with proximity to a star. The Moon When does September's full Harvest Moon rise? When does the next full moon rise? Find out exactly when to see the full moons of 2026, including the full "Harvest Moon" in September. By Jamie Carter Last updated 11 September 26 The Moon When does the next full moon rise? Find out exactly when to see the full moons of 2026, including the full "Harvest Moon" in September. Extraterrestrial Life Fragments of ancient alien tech may litter the moon — and scientists have a plan to find them Researchers propose that tiny technological remnants left over from extinct alien civilizations could have landed on the moon after traveling through interstellar space. It may not take long to find them, the team claims. By Harry Baker Published 11 September 26 Extraterrestrial Life Researchers propose that tiny technological remnants left over from extinct alien civilizations could have landed on the moon after traveling through interstellar space. It may not take long to find them, the team claims. Mercury Mercury is shrinking more than we thought — and it's hiding the evidence from us Mercury may be shrinking much faster than we thought — and that could reveal new clues about its violent origins. By Elizabeth Howell Published 10 September 26 Mercury Mercury may be shrinking much faster than we thought — and that could reveal new clues about its violent origins. Astonishing Artifacts Ancestral commemorative head: A 500-year-old brass bust depicting an African king A striking depiction of an African king wearing coral necklaces and braids is one of the thousands of Benin Bronzes that the British looted from Nigeria in 1897. By Kristina Killgrove Published 14 September 26 Archaeology Vikings Finland's largest Viking Age silver hoard discovered by metal detectorist — and it has thousands of coins and pieces of jewelry The largest Viking Age silver hoard ever found in Finland was unearthed by a metal detectorist north of Helsinki. By Tom Metcalfe Published 11 September 26 Vikings Archaeology World's oldest evidence of habitual drug use traced back 25,000 years to Indonesia Hunter-gatherers from the last ice age sucked on betel nuts to soothe their toothaches, a new study reveals. By Tom Metcalfe Published 9 September 26 Archaeology Human Evolution Enigmatic Denisovans lived by cave in what is now China for 100,000 years, rare fossils and handcrafted tools reveal Anthropologists have discovered the first-ever Denisovan arm bone in a cave in southwest China, which also held thousands of prehistoric animal bones and stone tools. By Kristina Killgrove Published 9 September 26 Human Evolution Astonishing Artifacts Guldhøj folding chair: The only completely preserved chair from Bronze Age Europe The remarkably preserved wooden folding chair was likely a status symbol and was found in the grave of a Bronze Age chieftain. By Kristina Killgrove Published 7 September 26 Archaeology Astonishing Artifacts Ancestral commemorative head: A 500-year-old brass bust depicting an African king A striking depiction of an African king wearing coral necklaces and braids is one of the thousands of Benin Bronzes that the British looted from Nigeria in 1897. By Kristina Killgrove Published 14 September 26 Archaeology A striking depiction of an African king wearing coral necklaces and braids is one of the thousands of Benin Bronzes that the British looted from Nigeria in 1897. Vikings Finland's largest Viking Age silver hoard discovered by metal detectorist — and it has thousands of coins and pieces of jewelry The largest Viking Age silver hoard ever found in Finland was unearthed by a metal detectorist north of Helsinki. By Tom Metcalfe Published 11 September 26 Vikings The largest Viking Age silver hoard ever found in Finland was unearthed by a metal detectorist north of Helsinki. Archaeology World's oldest evidence of habitual drug use traced back 25,000 years to Indonesia Hunter-gatherers from the last ice age sucked on betel nuts to soothe their toothaches, a new study reveals. By Tom Metcalfe Published 9 September 26 Archaeology Hunter-gatherers from the last ice age sucked on betel nuts to soothe their toothaches, a new study reveals. Human Evolution Enigmatic Denisovans lived by cave in what is now China for 100,000 years, rare fossils and handcrafted tools reveal Anthropologists have discovered the first-ever Denisovan arm bone in a cave in southwest China, which also held thousands of prehistoric animal bones and stone tools. By Kristina Killgrove Published 9 September 26 Human Evolution Anthropologists have discovered the first-ever Denisovan arm bone in a cave in southwest China, which also held thousands of prehistoric animal bones and stone tools. Astonishing Artifacts Guldhøj folding chair: The only completely preserved chair from Bronze Age Europe The remarkably preserved wooden folding chair was likely a status symbol and was found in the grave of a Bronze Age chieftain. By Kristina Killgrove Published 7 September 26 Archaeology The remarkably preserved wooden folding chair was likely a status symbol and was found in the grave of a Bronze Age chieftain. Climate change 'There are no easy answers here': New study forecasts a dire dip in food production if key Atlantic currents collapse Researchers have examined how weakening currents in the Atlantic Ocean could impact global agriculture — and the results are concerning. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Climate change Science Spotlight Infectious diseases will seed new ground as the planet warms — here's where they'll spread Climate change will increase our exposure to myriad infections, from tick-borne diseases to drug-resistant bacterial infections. By Stephanie Pappas Published 10 September 26 Climate change Weather Record-breaking rain in California was caused by abnormally high temperatures on the other side of the world, study finds Scientists have identified a "climate teleconnection" between the Rocky Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau, where warm spots left a kink in the jet stream that intensifed weather in the western U.S. By Sascha Pare Published 9 September 26 Weather Book excerpt How the grassroots climate movement took off in the US In this excerpt from "The Carbon Wave," author Leah Stokes explores the lead-up to that moment and the wave of environmental action that followed. By Leah Stokes Published 9 September 26 Climate change Planet Earth Where on Earth is safest from global catastrophe? Researchers have worked out the safest, most resilient country to be in during an apocalyptic event. By Sarah Wild Published 8 September 26 5 Comments Planet Earth Climate change 'There are no easy answers here': New study forecasts a dire dip in food production if key Atlantic currents collapse Researchers have examined how weakening currents in the Atlantic Ocean could impact global agriculture — and the results are concerning. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Climate change Researchers have examined how weakening currents in the Atlantic Ocean could impact global agriculture — and the results are concerning. Science Spotlight Infectious diseases will seed new ground as the planet warms — here's where they'll spread Climate change will increase our exposure to myriad infections, from tick-borne diseases to drug-resistant bacterial infections. By Stephanie Pappas Published 10 September 26 Climate change Climate change will increase our exposure to myriad infections, from tick-borne diseases to drug-resistant bacterial infections. Weather Record-breaking rain in California was caused by abnormally high temperatures on the other side of the world, study finds Scientists have identified a "climate teleconnection" between the Rocky Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau, where warm spots left a kink in the jet stream that intensifed weather in the western U.S. By Sascha Pare Published 9 September 26 Weather Scientists have identified a "climate teleconnection" between the Rocky Mountains and the Tibetan Plateau, where warm spots left a kink in the jet stream that intensifed weather in the western U.S. Book excerpt How the grassroots climate movement took off in the US In this excerpt from "The Carbon Wave," author Leah Stokes explores the lead-up to that moment and the wave of environmental action that followed. By Leah Stokes Published 9 September 26 Climate change In this excerpt from "The Carbon Wave," author Leah Stokes explores the lead-up to that moment and the wave of environmental action that followed. Planet Earth Where on Earth is safest from global catastrophe? Researchers have worked out the safest, most resilient country to be in during an apocalyptic event. By Sarah Wild Published 8 September 26 5 Comments Planet Earth Researchers have worked out the safest, most resilient country to be in during an apocalyptic event. Science crossword Live Science crossword puzzle #61: Largest living land animals — 4 across Test your knowledge on all things science with our weekly, free crossword puzzle! By Harry Baker Last updated 14 September 26 Arts & Entertainment Cancer AI trained to 'think' like human pathologists may be better at spotting cancer Researchers trained AI on how expert pathologists look for signs of cancer in patient samples, improving the algorithm's effectiveness. By Niba @NotesByNiba Published 12 September 26 Cancer Neuroscience Brain shrinkage tied to aging 'pauses' as a woman nears menopause, study finds A new study looked at gray matter in the brain during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, finding distinct changes at different life stages. By Theresa Sullivan Barger Published 11 September 26 Neuroscience Interview 'Every time it gets excited — boom — it collapses': How dogs with narcolepsy helped scientists understand the disorder Live Science spoke with Dr. Emmanuel Mignot , director of the Stanford Center for Narcolepsy and co-winner of a coveted Lasker Award. By Nicoletta Lanese Published 11 September 26 Sleep Genetics 1 million people's genes reveal the heritability of the Big Five personality traits — and it's complicated A huge analysis probes the genetics of personality, finding that the trait is much less straightforward than physical attributes like eye color. By RJ Mackenzie Published 10 September 26 Genetics Health 'America's Nobel' prizes go to sleep and hemophilia researchers, and to Michael J. Fox for Parkinson's advocacy The Lasker Foundation has announced the winners of its 2026 awards for basic medical research, clinical science and public service. By Nicoletta Lanese Published 9 September 26 Health Science crossword Live Science crossword puzzle #61: Largest living land animals — 4 across Test your knowledge on all things science with our weekly, free crossword puzzle! By Harry Baker Last updated 14 September 26 Arts & Entertainment Test your knowledge on all things science with our weekly, free crossword puzzle! Cancer AI trained to 'think' like human pathologists may be better at spotting cancer Researchers trained AI on how expert pathologists look for signs of cancer in patient samples, improving the algorithm's effectiveness. By Niba @NotesByNiba Published 12 September 26 Cancer Researchers trained AI on how expert pathologists look for signs of cancer in patient samples, improving the algorithm's effectiveness.

Neuroscience Brain shrinkage tied to aging 'pauses' as a woman nears menopause, study finds A new study looked at gray matter in the brain during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, finding distinct changes at different life stages. By Theresa Sullivan Barger Published 11 September 26 Neuroscience A new study looked at gray matter in the brain during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, finding distinct changes at different life stages. Interview 'Every time it gets excited — boom — it collapses': How dogs with narcolepsy helped scientists understand the disorder Live Science spoke with Dr. Emmanuel Mignot , director of the Stanford Center for Narcolepsy and co-winner of a coveted Lasker Award. By Nicoletta Lanese Published 11 September 26 Sleep Live Science spoke with Dr. Emmanuel Mignot , director of the Stanford Center for Narcolepsy and co-winner of a coveted Lasker Award. Genetics 1 million people's genes reveal the heritability of the Big Five personality traits — and it's complicated A huge analysis probes the genetics of personality, finding that the trait is much less straightforward than physical attributes like eye color. By RJ Mackenzie Published 10 September 26 Genetics A huge analysis probes the genetics of personality, finding that the trait is much less straightforward than physical attributes like eye color. Health 'America's Nobel' prizes go to sleep and hemophilia researchers, and to Michael J. Fox for Parkinson's advocacy The Lasker Foundation has announced the winners of its 2026 awards for basic medical research, clinical science and public service. By Nicoletta Lanese Published 9 September 26 Health The Lasker Foundation has announced the winners of its 2026 awards for basic medical research, clinical science and public service. Brand Message (Homepage - DO NOT PUBLISH) GOOD SCIENCE FOR CURIOUS MINDS Science touches every part of our lives — and that's why understanding it is vital. At Live Science , our team of experienced editors and reporters explain the science that matters to you, shining a light on the most important breakthroughs and discoveries, while delivering good science for curious minds. To understand how we choose, write and edit our stories, as well as our AI policy, please read our editorial standards . Life's Little Mysteries Why do cats lick each other? Cats lick each other for multiple reasons, and some are more mysterious than others. By Clarissa Brincat Published 13 September 26 2 Comments Cats Extinct species 'Oddly shaped rock' unearthed in California turns out to be 'immaculate' mastodon molar A field survey in San Mateo County, California, has revealed the fossilized tooth of an adult Pacific mastodon, an ice-age giant that was probably native to the West Coast. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Extinct species Squids Watch the first-ever footage of a rare deep-sea squid in the northeastern Pacific A rare sighting of a bigfin squid near an underwater mountain off California is the first confirmed live observation of the bizarre animal in the northeastern Pacific, researchers say. By Patrick Pester Published 9 September 26 Squids Aquatic Animals Sunken WWII hospital ship colonized by devil firefish and rare monk seals A shipwreck off the coast of Albania has attracted both invasive species and provided a home for endangered ones, leading researchers to weigh the risks and benefits of these wrecks for local ecosystems. By Robyn White Published 2 September 26 Aquatic Animals Sharks Ancient shark 'graveyard' uncovered in Egyptian desert Fossilized teeth from at least seven shark species have been discovered in the Egyptian desert, hinting at its complex, watery past. By Pandora Dewan Published 27 August 26 Sharks Life's Little Mysteries Do other animals call each other by name? Research in dolphins, elephants, parrots and primates suggests animals may call each other by name, but scientists are divided on how to define the behavior. By Olivia Ferrari Published 23 August 26 Animals Life's Little Mysteries Why do cats lick each other? Cats lick each other for multiple reasons, and some are more mysterious than others. By Clarissa Brincat Published 13 September 26 2 Comments Cats Cats lick each other for multiple reasons, and some are more mysterious than others. Extinct species 'Oddly shaped rock' unearthed in California turns out to be 'immaculate' mastodon molar A field survey in San Mateo County, California, has revealed the fossilized tooth of an adult Pacific mastodon, an ice-age giant that was probably native to the West Coast. By Sascha Pare Published 11 September 26 Extinct species A field survey in San Mateo County, California, has revealed the fossilized tooth of an adult Pacific mastodon, an ice-age giant that was probably native to the West Coast. Squids Watch the first-ever footage of a rare deep-sea squid in the northeastern Pacific A rare sighting of a bigfin squid near an underwater mountain off California is the first confirmed live observation of the bizarre animal in the northeastern Pacific, researchers say. By Patrick Pester Published 9 September 26 Squids A rare sighting of a bigfin squid near an underwater mountain off California is the first confirmed live observation of the bizarre animal in the northeastern Pacific, researchers say. Aquatic Animals Sunken WWII hospital ship colonized by devil firefish and rare monk seals A shipwreck off the coast of Albania has attracted both invasive species and provided a home for endangered ones, leading researchers to weigh the risks and benefits of these wrecks for local ecosystems. By Robyn White Published 2 September 26 Aquatic Animals A shipwreck off the coast of Albania has attracted both invasive species and provided a home for endangered ones, leading researchers to weigh the risks and benefits of these wrecks for local ecosystems. Sharks Ancient shark 'graveyard' uncovered in Egyptian desert Fossilized teeth from at least seven shark species have been discovered in the Egyptian desert, hinting at its complex, watery past. By Pandora Dewan Published 27 August 26 Sharks Fossilized teeth from at least seven shark species have been discovered in the Egyptian desert, hinting at its complex, watery past. Life's Little Mysteries Do other animals call each other by name? Research in dolphins, elephants, parrots and primates suggests animals may call each other by name, but scientists are divided on how to define the behavior. By Olivia Ferrari Published 23 August 26 Animals Research in dolphins, elephants, parrots and primates suggests animals may call each other by name, but scientists are divided on how to define the behavior. Poll 'Maybe that is how Transformers started': Readers react to the possibility of AI becoming self-aware Could AI become conscious? Live Science readers revealed their thoughts about this technological possibility. By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry Published 11 September 26 Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence Powerful new AI model will map the moon's surface in more detail than ever, NASA and IBM scientists say IBM and NASA have partnered to create the Lunar Foundation Model, a new AI capable of processing decades of lunar data so we can more accurately map the moon's surface. By Alan Bradley Published 10 September 26 Artificial Intelligence Poll Do you think Al could ever become self-aware? A new study looks at "consciousness steering" in AI, but could this technology actually achieve this level of self-awareness in the first place? By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry Published 9 September 26 16 Comments Artificial Intelligence Analysis Google scientists removed a critical 'consciousness safeguard' from AI in new study. What happened next? A new study shows that measures to stop AI's claims of consciousness have unintended consequences for non-human entities. By Adam Shepherd Published 8 September 26 Artificial Intelligence Robotics Eerily humanlike AI-powered robot enters mass production in China — its makers say it could soon be helping you out at home Xpeng's engineers have designed a humanoid robot that they say is the first in the world that will walk itself off the production line. By Keumars Afifi-Sabet Published 8 September 26 10 Comments Robotics Electronic Engineering 'Extreme' transistor can withstand heat of more than 1,000 degrees F — priming it for use in Venus-bound probes A new silicon carbide transistor is designed to avoid low controllability and current leakage, which typically become problematic at high temperatures. By Fiona Jackson Published 6 September 26 Electronic Engineering Poll 'Maybe that is how Transformers started': Readers react to the possibility of AI becoming self-aware Could AI become conscious? Live Science readers revealed their thoughts about this technological possibility. By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry Published 11 September 26 Artificial Intelligence Could AI become conscious? Live Science readers revealed their thoughts about this technological possibility. Artificial Intelligence Powerful new AI model will map the moon's surface in more detail than ever, NASA and IBM scientists say IBM and NASA have partnered to create the Lunar Foundation Model, a new AI capable of processing decades of lunar data so we can more accurately map the moon's surface. By Alan Bradley Published 10 September 26 Artificial Intelligence IBM and NASA have partnered to create the Lunar Foundation Model, a new AI capable of processing decades of lunar data so we can more accurately map the moon's surface. Poll Do you think Al could ever become self-aware? A new study looks at "consciousness steering" in AI, but could this technology actually achieve this level of self-awareness in the first place? By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry Published 9 September 26 16 Comments Artificial Intelligence A new study looks at "consciousness steering" in AI, but could this technology actually achieve this level of self-awareness in the first place? Analysis Google scientists removed a critical 'consciousness safeguard' from AI in new study. What happened next? A new study shows that measures to stop AI's claims of consciousness have unintended consequences for non-human entities. By Adam Shepherd Published 8 September 26 Artificial Intelligence A new study shows that measures to stop AI's claims of consciousness have unintended consequences for non-human entities. Robotics Eerily humanlike AI-powered robot enters mass production in China — its makers say it could soon be helping you out at home Xpeng's engineers have designed a humanoid robot that they say is the first in the world that will walk itself off the production line. By Keumars Afifi-Sabet Published 8 September 26 10 Comments Robotics Xpeng's engineers have designed a humanoid robot that they say is the first in the world that will walk itself off the production line. Electronic Engineering 'Extreme' transistor can withstand heat of more than 1,000 degrees F — priming it for use in Venus-bound probes A new silicon carbide transistor is designed to avoid low controllability and current leakage, which typically become problematic at high temperatures. By Fiona Jackson Published 6 September 26 Electronic Engineering A new silicon carbide transistor is designed to avoid low controllability and current leakage, which typically become problematic at high temperatures. World of Science Life's Little Mysteries Science questions, answered Diagnostic dilemma Unusual case reports from the medical literature Astonishing artifacts A glimpse into how people lived in the past Space photo of the week Extraordinary images of our sublime universe Earth from space Incredible images of our planet from above Life's Little Mysteries Science questions, answered Science questions, answered Diagnostic dilemma Unusual case reports from the medical literature Unusual case reports from the medical literature Astonishing artifacts A glimpse into how people lived in the past A glimpse into how people lived in the past Space photo of the week Extraordinary images of our sublime universe Extraordinary images of our sublime universe Earth from space Incredible images of our planet from above Incredible images of our planet from above Physics and Math Physics & Mathematics Scientists used a powerful laser to melt diamonds ‪—‬ and solved a decades-old mystery Scientists blasted diamonds with lasers to get the best measurement of the mineral's melting point yet. The new, more accurate numbers could help improve fusion experiments and studies of giant planets. By Damien Pine Published 12 September 26 Explainer Did OpenAI really crack one of math's hardest unsolved problems —‬ and did it play fair to get there? A breakthrough on the Navier-Stokes equations could be worth a $1 million prize, but a mathematician has serious questions about how OpenAI got there so fast. By Larissa G. Capella Published 9 September 26 Mathematics Mathematicians say these 60-sided dice are the fairest in the world A team of mathematicians discovered that five 60-sided dice, arranged with exactly the right numbers, can determine a perfectly fair turn order for any group of players, with zero chance of a tie. By Larissa G. Capella Published 5 September 26 Quantum Physics Physicists put Einstein's 'happiest thought' to the test in an experiment that unites relativity and quantum mechanics Physicists have proven a 100-year-old prediction of relativity by showing that Einstein's equivalence principle holds at quantum scales. By Andrey Feldman Published 3 September 26 4 Comments Life's Little Mysteries How many cosmic particles are passing through your body at any moment? While Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful cosmic rays, other cosmic particles are passing through us every second. By Charles Q. Choi Published 30 August 26 Life's Little Mysteries Does water drain in different directions in the Northern and Southern hemispheres? Earth's rotation can influence a draining vortex. So does that mean water in a drain spirals in opposite directions in different parts of the world? By Benjamin Plackett Published 29 August 26 5 Comments Physics & Mathematics Scientists used a powerful laser to melt diamonds ‪—‬ and solved a decades-old mystery Scientists blasted diamonds with lasers to get the best measurement of the mineral's melting point yet. The new, more accurate numbers could help improve fusion experiments and studies of giant planets. By Damien Pine Published 12 September 26 Scientists blasted diamonds with lasers to get the best measurement of the mineral's melting point yet. The new, more accurate numbers could help improve fusion experiments and studies of giant planets. Explainer Did OpenAI really crack one of math's hardest unsolved problems —‬ and did it play fair to get there? A breakthrough on the Navier-Stokes equations could be worth a $1 million prize, but a mathematician has serious questions about how OpenAI got there so fast. By Larissa G. Capella Published 9 September 26 A breakthrough on the Navier-Stokes equations could be worth a $1 million prize, but a mathematician has serious questions about how OpenAI got there so fast. Mathematics Mathematicians say these 60-sided dice are the fairest in the world A team of mathematicians discovered that five 60-sided dice, arranged with exactly the right numbers, can determine a perfectly fair turn order for any group of players, with zero chance of a tie. By Larissa G. Capella Published 5 September 26 A team of mathematicians discovered that five 60-sided dice, arranged with exactly the right numbers, can determine a perfectly fair turn order for any group of players, with zero chance of a tie. Quantum Physics Physicists put Einstein's 'happiest thought' to the test in an experiment that unites relativity and quantum mechanics Physicists have proven a 100-year-old prediction of relativity by showing that Einstein's equivalence principle holds at quantum scales. By Andrey Feldman Published 3 September 26 4 Comments Physicists have proven a 100-year-old prediction of relativity by showing that Einstein's equivalence principle holds at quantum scales. Life's Little Mysteries How many cosmic particles are passing through your body at any moment? While Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful cosmic rays, other cosmic particles are passing through us every second. By Charles Q. Choi Published 30 August 26 While Earth's atmosphere protects us from harmful cosmic rays, other cosmic particles are passing through us every second. Life's Little Mysteries Does water drain in different directions in the Northern and Southern hemispheres? Earth's rotation can influence a draining vortex. So does that mean water in a drain spirals in opposite directions in different parts of the world? By Benjamin Plackett Published 29 August 26 5 Comments Earth's rotation can influence a draining vortex. So does that mean water in a drain spirals in opposite directions in different parts of the world? More Science News Vikings Finland's largest Viking Age silver hoard discovered by metal detectorist — and it has thousands of coins and pieces of jewelry By Tom Metcalfe Published 11 September 26 Vikings Genetics 1 million people's genes reveal the heritability of the Big Five personality traits — and it's complicated By RJ Mackenzie Published 10 September 26 Genetics Mercury Mercury is shrinking more than we thought — and it's hiding the evidence from us By Elizabeth Howell Published 10 September 26 Mercury Artificial Intelligence Powerful new AI model will map the moon's surface in more detail than ever, NASA and IBM scientists say By Alan Bradley Published 10 September 26 Artificial Intelligence Space A Harvest Moon with 5 planets on the side: Why September is the best month all year for stargazing By Jamie Carter Published 10 September 26 Space Health 'America's Nobel' prizes go to sleep and hemophilia researchers, and to Michael J. 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