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Archaeologists working in the eastern Pyrenees have uncovered evidence suggesting repeated human activity in a high-altitude cave that may date back more than 5,500 years, offering new insights into how prehistoric communities used mountain landscapes. The cave, located at an elevation of more than 7,300 feet (2,235 metres), contains dozens of ancient hearths along with unusual green mineral fragments that researchers believe could be linked to early copper-related activities. Experts say the findings challenge the long-held view that prehistoric people only briefly passed through such high mountain areas. Instead, the evidence suggests the site was visited repeatedly over a period of around 2,000 years. Researchers also found human remains, including a child’s finger bone and a baby tooth, raising the possibility that the cave may have been used for burials as well. “For a long time, high-mountain environments were seen as marginal places used only occasionally,” said Professor Carlos Tornero, lead author of the study published in *Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology*. “But we found a very rich sequence of human activity, with multiple hearths and a large number of green mineral fragments.” The site, known as Cave 338 in the Freser Valley, was excavated in a six-square-metre area near its entrance. Researchers identified four distinct layers showing different phases of human use. The most recent layer contained only a small number of historical-era objects, suggesting limited later use. The deepest layer, dated to about 6,000 years ago, contained only charcoal remains. The most significant discoveries came from the middle layers, where archaeologists uncovered 23 hearths filled with burned and crushed green mineral fragments. Early analysis suggests the material may be malachite, a copper-rich mineral, though confirmation is still pending. The presence of this material has led researchers to consider whether the site may have been connected to early copper extraction or symbolic use of mineral resources. Human remains were also found in one of the layers, including a child’s finger bone and a baby tooth believed to belong to a child around 11 years old. Scientists say there is not yet enough evidence to confirm whether the remains belonged to the same individual or whether the cave served as a burial site. Other artefacts include two pendants — one made from a shell and another from a brown bear tooth — suggesting both cultural exchange and symbolic practices among prehistoric groups. Researchers say Cave 338 was not a permanent settlement but was likely revisited repeatedly over thousands of years, indicating its special significance. Further excavations are planned to better understand the site’s full depth and to confirm the identity of the green mineral. Scientists from the University of Granada and the Autonomous University of Barcelona are continuing analysis. Source: Science Daily

A new study has found that commonly used kitchen sponges release tiny plastic particles every time they are used for washing dishes, adding to growing concerns about microplastic pollution. Researchers from the University of Bonn examined how much plastic is shed from sponges during normal household use and assessed their overall environmental impact. The study shows that kitchen sponges do release measurable amounts of microplastics as they wear down over time. However, scientists found that the biggest environmental burden from handwashing dishes is not plastic pollution, but water consumption. Microplastics released during everyday use The research team studied how much material is lost from sponges during regular dishwashing. They combined laboratory experiments with real-life testing involving households in Germany and North America, where volunteers used different types of sponges in their daily routines. Each sponge was weighed before and after use to measure material loss. Researchers also used a laboratory device called “SpongeBot” to simulate the pressure and friction sponges face during washing. The study found that all tested sponges released microplastics, with annual emissions estimated between 0.68 grams and 4.21 grams per person, depending on the type of sponge used. Sponges with higher plastic content released more particles, while those with lower plastic content shed less. Real-life usage improves accuracy The inclusion of household participants helped researchers better understand real washing habits, making the results more reliable than lab tests alone. Water use is the bigger environmental concern Although the amount of plastic released by a single sponge is small, the study warns that the impact grows when scaled up. In Germany alone, widespread use of certain sponge types could lead to up to 355 tonnes of microplastics released annually. Wastewater treatment plants can capture much of this waste, but some particles may still reach rivers, lakes, oceans and soil. However, the study found that microplastics are not the main environmental concern. Around 85 to 97 percent of the environmental impact from manual dishwashing comes from water use, making it the dominant factor in overall damage. How to reduce environmental impact Researchers suggested a few simple steps to reduce the footprint of dishwashing: Use less water while washing dishes Choose sponges with lower plastic content Use sponges for longer periods before replacing them The research was conducted by scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT and Leiden University, along with the University of Bonn team.   Source: Science Daily  

Pigeons may rely on an unexpected body part to navigate over long distances: their liver, according to a new study that sheds light on one of nature’s long-standing mysteries. Scientists have long known that many animals use Earth’s magnetic field to help them find their way. Birds, fish and sea turtles are among the species believed to use this natural compass, but researchers have struggled for decades to understand exactly how the process works. Pigeons are particularly famous for their navigation skills. They can travel hundreds of miles in a single day and have been used by humans for thousands of years to carry messages and important information. Over the years, scientists have proposed several theories about how pigeons detect magnetic signals, including through special molecules in their eyes, their beaks or their inner ears. However, a new study points to a different possibility. Researchers led by scientists in Germany found strong magnetic signals in the birds’ livers, specifically in iron-rich immune cells that help break down old red blood cells and store iron. When scientists temporarily removed these immune cells from pigeons and then observed their flights, the birds struggled to find their way home, according to the study published in the journal Science. “The magnetic sense has remained a mystery for nearly a century,” said Martin Wikelski of the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior. Researchers believe the iron-containing cells may help pigeons detect Earth’s magnetic field and provide navigation information to the brain. The effect was most noticeable on cloudy days. Scientists said that under clear skies pigeons can also use the sun as a guide, but when sunlight is unavailable, their magnetic sensing system becomes more important. According to study co-author Christian Kurts of the University of Bonn, the findings suggest the liver cells may play a key role in helping birds maintain their sense of direction. Another researcher involved in the study, Clivia Lisowski, said the immune cells are located close to nerve fibers in the liver, which could allow magnetic information to be transmitted to the brain. Experts not involved in the research described the findings as intriguing. Albert Kao of the University of Massachusetts Boston said he would not have expected the liver to play such a role, but the explanation appeared plausible. The researchers believe similar mechanisms could exist in other birds and animals, including mice. However, outside experts caution that more studies are needed to confirm the theory and understand exactly how magnetic signals are processed by the brain. Scientists also noted that magnetic-sensitive immune cells have been found in other parts of pigeons' bodies, including the beak and spleen, suggesting navigation may involve multiple systems rather than a single mechanism. In an accompanying editorial, researchers argued that pigeons may use several methods to navigate depending on the situation, such as traveling long distances or locating a specific destination. Having more than one way to find their way home, they noted, could be a useful advantage for birds flying in difficult conditions.

Researchers in Singapore have found that caffeine may help reverse certain memory problems caused by lack of sleep, offering new insights into how sleep deprivation affects the brain. The study, conducted by scientists at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore and published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology, suggests that caffeine's benefits may go beyond helping people stay awake. The research focused on social memory, the brain's ability to recognize and remember individuals encountered before. The study was led by Sreedharan Sajikumar and researcher Lik-Wei Wong. Scientists examined a part of the brain called the hippocampal CA2 region, which plays an important role in social memory and receives signals linked to sleep and wakefulness. To study the effects of sleep loss, researchers subjected laboratory animals to five hours of sleep deprivation. The animals were then given access to caffeine through drinking water over a seven-day period. The team found that sleep deprivation weakened communication between brain cells in the CA2 region, reducing the brain's ability to strengthen important neural connections associated with learning and memory. These changes were linked to noticeable difficulties in social recognition memory. However, caffeine was found to restore communication between neurons in the affected brain region and return normal levels of synaptic plasticity, the process that allows the brain to adapt and store new information. As a result, the memory problems caused by sleep deprivation were reversed. Researchers noted that caffeine's effect appeared to be highly targeted. Rather than broadly stimulating the entire brain, it specifically restored the neural pathway involved in social memory. The study also found that animals that had not experienced sleep deprivation did not show signs of excessive brain stimulation after consuming caffeine. "Sleep deprivation does not just make you tired. It selectively disrupts important memory circuits," Wong said. He added that caffeine was able to reverse these effects at both the molecular and behavioural levels, suggesting its benefits extend beyond improving alertness. Sajikumar described the CA2 region as a key link between sleep and social memory and said the findings improve understanding of the biological processes behind cognitive decline associated with sleep loss. The researchers said future studies will explore how caffeine affects memory formation and recall, as well as the relationship between specific brain circuits and memory function. The findings highlight the importance of adequate sleep for maintaining healthy brain function while suggesting caffeine could play a role in reducing some of the cognitive effects of sleep deprivation.

A Blue Origin rocket owned by Jeff Bezos exploded during a test at the launch pad on Thursday night, shaking nearby homes and lighting up the sky with a bright orange glow. The company said its New Glenn rocket blew up while engines were being tested ahead of a planned satellite launch next week. Officials at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station confirmed that no one was injured. Bezos said it is still too early to determine the exact cause of the explosion but assured that the company will investigate and recover from the setback. The New Glenn rocket had already been grounded in April after an engine problem caused it to place a satellite into the wrong orbit. This was only its third flight. Blue Origin plans to use the rocket for future missions to the moon, including sending landers for NASA’s lunar program. Despite the incident, the company had been preparing to test a prototype lunar lander later this year. Earlier this week, NASA awarded Blue Origin a contract worth hundreds of millions of dollars to launch two lunar rovers as part of its Artemis program. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said space missions are extremely challenging and promised updates on how the explosion might affect future lunar plans. Residents in nearby areas like Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach reported feeling the blast around 9 p.m., with many sharing photos of a fireball rising from the launch site. Emergency teams stayed at the scene for over an hour, but officials said there was no danger from fumes or other hazards. Authorities also said the incident will not affect other upcoming launches. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is still scheduled to launch Friday night with a batch of Amazon internet satellites. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk expressed support, saying he hopes Blue Origin recovers quickly from the setback. Standing 321 feet tall, New Glenn first launched in 2025. It is named after astronaut John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and is much larger than the company’s New Shepard rockets used for space tourism.

A new experimental drug for hepatitis B has shown encouraging results, allowing some patients to stop treatment without the virus returning — a condition researchers describe as a “functional cure.” In two international clinical trials, around 20% of patients who received the drug were able to reduce the virus in their bodies to very low levels, allowing their immune system to keep it under control even after stopping treatment. Researchers presented the findings at a scientific meeting in Barcelona, Spain, and the results were also published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Seng Gee Lim of the National University Health System in Singapore, who helped lead the studies, said the results mark an important breakthrough. “We have not had a treatment that reaches this level of cure before,” he said. The drug, called bepirovirsen also known as “bepi” — was developed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. It is currently under fast-track review by the US Food and Drug Administration, with a decision expected in October. Regulators in Japan, China and Europe are also reviewing it. Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection spread through blood and bodily fluids, including from mother to child during birth. While a vaccine can prevent infection, more than 250 million people worldwide live with chronic hepatitis B, including about 1.7 million in the United States. For many patients, current treatments involve lifelong daily medication that controls the virus but does not fully eliminate it, as the virus can remain hidden in the body and return if treatment stops. The new drug works by targeting the virus’s genetic material, reducing its ability to multiply and lowering levels of a key viral surface protein. It also helps activate the immune system, according to GSK. In the trials, 1,838 patients were given either the experimental drug or a placebo injection once a week for six months, along with their regular medication. Those who maintained undetectable virus levels for six months after stopping the injections were also able to stop their standard pills. About one in five patients who received the drug achieved a “functional cure,” meaning the virus remained undetectable for another six months after all treatment ended. None of the placebo group achieved this outcome. Researchers found that patients who had lower levels of the viral surface protein at the start of the study were slightly more likely to respond successfully, and further studies are underway to understand why the drug works better in some patients than others. Early follow-up data suggest the effect may last longer in some cases, with a small group of patients still doing well up to three years later. Reported side effects included mild pain or redness at the injection site and temporary increases in liver enzymes. Experts caution that more research is needed, especially since the trials did not include patients with advanced liver disease such as cirrhosis.

NASA has announced early plans for building a long-term base on the Moon, moving ahead with orders for landers, rovers and drones just weeks after its Artemis II lunar mission. The US space agency revealed the first phase of its lunar base programme on Tuesday, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four American companies. Under the plan, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin will provide a pair of landers to transport equipment to the Moon’s surface near the south pole. The landers will carry lunar buggies developed by companies Astrolab and Lunar Outpost. Meanwhile, Firefly Aerospace will send drones to support operations on the lunar surface. NASA hopes the equipment will reach the Moon before astronauts land there again, with crewed missions expected as early as 2028. The agency’s Artemis programme is already advancing. In April, Artemis II carried four astronauts around the Moon, flying farther into space than any human mission since the Apollo era. The next mission, Artemis III, planned for 2027, will test docking systems in orbit as part of preparations for landing astronauts on the lunar surface. NASA is aiming for a human landing by 2028, followed by gradual expansion of the Moon base in the 2030s. Later phases will include building infrastructure such as a power system and eventually permanent habitats for astronauts. Officials say the long-term goal is to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon. NASA’s Moon base programme executive Carlos Garcia-Galan said the future base could stretch across hundreds of square miles, supported by drones placed at key locations to help monitor the area. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the system is also designed to respect other countries’ lunar missions and equipment, with expectations of similar cooperation from other space agencies. He added that the Moon base is intended to support scientific research, encourage a lunar economy, and prepare for future missions to Mars. “The journey is just beginning, and we are not slowing down,” Isaacman said.

Scientists have identified a new species of tiny blue octopus living nearly 6,000 feet beneath the ocean surface near the Galápagos Islands, adding to the region’s long list of rare and unique wildlife. The species, officially named Microeledone galapagensis, was described in the scientific journal Zootaxa after researchers confirmed it had never been recorded before. The discovery traces back to a 2015 deep-sea expedition aboard the research vessel E/V Nautilus, conducted in cooperation with the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park Directorate. Using a remotely operated underwater vehicle, scientists explored the seafloor near Darwin Island at the northern edge of the Galápagos archipelago. At a depth of about 5,800 feet (1,773 meters), the team spotted a small octopus moving across an underwater mountain. Researchers were surprised by its bright blue color and tiny size, roughly similar to a golf ball. “It's tiny! It’s blue!” scientists were heard saying during expedition recordings. The team collected one specimen and also captured video footage of two others believed to be the same species. Back in the Galápagos, the samples were studied at the Charles Darwin Research Station, where scientists quickly realized the octopus did not match any known species. Octopus expert Janet Voight, curator emerita of invertebrates at the Field Museum in Chicago, was contacted for identification after reviewing images of the animal. “Right away, I knew it was something really special,” Voight said. “I’d never seen anything like it.” Because only one confirmed specimen was available, researchers avoided dissecting it to preserve the rare find. Instead, they used advanced micro CT scanning technology at the Field Museum to study its internal structure without damaging it. The scans produced detailed 3D images of the octopus’s organs, beak, and other features, allowing scientists to classify it as a new species. Experts said the non-invasive imaging was crucial due to the specimen’s rarity. The octopus is now recognized as Microeledone galapagensis, a species that adds new insight into deep-sea biodiversity around the Galápagos region. Researchers say the discovery highlights how much of the deep ocean remains unexplored and how many unknown species may still exist in remote marine ecosystems. “This tiny blue octopus fascinated us,” said marine scientist Salome Buglass, a co-author of the study. “Discoveries like these remind us how little we still know about the deep sea and why it needs protection.” Source: Science Daily

Researchers have found that storing mangoes at 12 degrees Celsius can significantly extend the fruit’s freshness while preventing cold damage, offering a potential breakthrough for mango transportation and storage systems. According to a study by scientists from Hainan University, mangoes kept at 12°C ripened more slowly, retained their firmness and flavor longer, and activated stronger natural antioxidant defenses compared to fruit stored at warmer temperatures. The findings, published in Tropical Plants, could help reduce spoilage and improve cold-chain transport for tropical fruits. Mangoes are widely popular for their sweet taste and nutritional value, but they spoil quickly after harvesting because they continue to ripen during storage and transport. In many tropical countries, mangoes are usually transported at temperatures between 26°C and 30°C. Scientists say such warm conditions speed up ripening and moisture loss, causing the fruit to soften and deteriorate faster. Although colder storage is known to slow ripening, mangoes are also sensitive to extremely low temperatures, which can cause chilling injuries. Earlier studies had suggested that 12°C might be an effective storage temperature for ‘Tainong No.1’ mangoes, but researchers did not fully understand why. To explore the issue, scientists compared mangoes stored at 12°C and 30°C over 24 days. The team monitored several factors including fruit color, firmness, weight loss, sugar content, acidity, respiration rate, and levels of harmful molecules linked to cell damage. Researchers also examined antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C, phenolics and flavonoids, along with protective enzymes that help fruits resist spoilage. The study found that mangoes stored at 12°C stayed fresh much longer than those kept at 30°C. After 16 days, mangoes stored at warmer temperatures turned yellow quickly, while those kept at 12°C maintained their green color for a longer period. Fruit stored at 30°C also lost acidity faster and experienced sharp increases and later declines in sugar content. In contrast, mangoes kept at 12°C showed slower and steadier ripening. The difference in physical condition was even more noticeable. Mangoes stored at 30°C lost over 17% of their weight, while fruit kept at 12°C lost less than 4%. Cooler storage also helped the fruit remain firm for longer periods. Microscopic analysis showed that mangoes stored at 12°C retained stronger cell walls and starch structures even after 24 days, while fruit stored at 30°C showed early cell damage and collapse. Researchers further discovered that cooler temperatures reduced oxidative stress inside the fruit by limiting the buildup of harmful molecules linked to spoilage. At the same time, mangoes stored at 12°C maintained higher levels of vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds. Protective enzymes also remained active for longer under cooler conditions. Gene analysis showed increased activity in several antioxidant-related genes, helping strengthen the fruit’s natural defense system and reduce cellular damage during storage. Scientists said the findings could provide practical guidance for the mango industry, allowing fruit to be harvested earlier, transported over longer distances, and ripened closer to consumer markets with less waste and quality loss. The research received funding support from several Chinese agricultural and research programmes, including the Hainan Province Agricultural Reclamation Team Joint Innovation Project and China’s National Key Research and Development Programme. Source: Science Daily

SpaceX launched its largest and most powerful Starship rocket yet on Friday in a major test flight, showcasing an upgraded spacecraft that NASA hopes will eventually carry astronauts to the moon. The newly redesigned rocket lifted off from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in southern Texas just two days after CEO Elon Musk announced plans to take the company public. During the nearly hourlong mission, Starship deployed 20 mock Starlink satellites before continuing its journey halfway around the globe. Despite experiencing some engine issues, the spacecraft successfully reached its planned splashdown point in the Indian Ocean. It later burst into flames upon impact, a result SpaceX said was expected. Musk praised the mission as an “epic” achievement and congratulated the SpaceX team, saying they had made a major contribution to humanity’s future in space exploration. The flight marked Starship’s 12th test mission as SpaceX continues developing the giant rocket for future crewed missions to Mars. Before that goal, however, the spacecraft is expected to play a key role in NASA’s Artemis program aimed at returning astronauts to the moon. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman attended the launch and said the mission moved Starship another step closer to supporting lunar exploration. The latest Starship model, known as V3, launched from a newly built pad near the Mexican border after technical issues delayed an earlier attempt Thursday evening. SpaceX hoped the flight would avoid the dramatic failures of previous launches, when explosions scattered debris over the Atlantic Ocean. This time, the mission remained stable until the final moments, when the spacecraft descended upright into the Indian Ocean before tipping over and igniting. Although the launch itself was successful, some booster engines failed during the planned return sequence. The spacecraft also continued flying with fewer operating engines but still climbed to about 120 miles (194 kilometers) above Earth. In another first, modified Starlink satellites equipped with cameras transmitted brief views from space after separating from the spacecraft. Standing 407 feet (124 meters) tall, the upgraded Starship is larger and more powerful than earlier versions. The booster features redesigned steering fins, stronger fuel systems, and enhanced technology, while the spacecraft includes additional cameras, improved computing systems, and docking equipment designed for future moon missions. SpaceX ultimately did not attempt to recover either stage of the rocket during this test. The booster fell into the Gulf of Mexico, while the spacecraft ended its journey in the Indian Ocean. NASA has awarded billions of dollars to both SpaceX and Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, to develop lunar landers for upcoming Artemis missions. Both companies are competing to be the first to provide a functioning moon lander. While Starship has already completed several short spaceflights, Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander has yet to launch, though a prototype mission is expected later this year. NASA plans to continue its Artemis program with a docking demonstration mission in Earth orbit next year, during which astronauts will practice linking the Orion capsule with Starship, Blue Moon, or both systems. The first crewed moon landing under Artemis could happen as early as 2028 using whichever lander proves ready and reliable first. It would mark NASA’s first astronaut landing on the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, with long-term plans focused on building a lunar base near the moon’s south pole. Meanwhile, SpaceX has already begun accepting reservations for private missions to the moon and Mars aboard Starship. Among the future passengers are businessman Dennis Tito, the world’s first space tourist, and cryptocurrency investor Chun Wang, who recently announced plans to join Starship’s first interplanetary mission to Mars. No timeline or ticket price for the Mars journey has been disclosed