Resurrection biology — the endeavor to revive strings of molecules and more complex organisms — is making strides in laboratories globally. While far from the genetically engineered dinosaurs of "Jurassic Park," scientists aspire to de-extinction, resurrecting lost animals and plants. Some researchers explore ancient pathogens, seeking new drugs or sounding alarms, while others recreate elements of human history to understand our ancestors. 1. Reviving 'Zombie' VirusesWarmer Arctic temperatures thaw permafrost, potentially awakening dormant viruses after thousands of years. Professor Jean-Michel Claverie aims to understand risks by resurrecting viruses from Siberian earth samples. His research isolates ancient viruses, revealing potential public health threats. 2. Hunt for New AntibioticsPresidential Assistant Professor César de la Fuente mines ancient DNA for bacteria-fighting peptides. Using Neanderthal and ice age creature DNA, he identifies compounds for battling drug-r...

 Five New Soft-Furred Hedgehog Species DiscoveredScientists have discovered five new species of soft-furred hedgehogs from South East Asia.The revelation required several scientific missions to the animals' tropical forest home to study them.Researchers also re-evaluated specimens of the mammals which had been in museum collections for decades.This detailed, biological spot-the-difference study revealed that two of the animals in the museums were new species to science.Three others - that had been categorized as subtypes of one species - were confirmed to be sufficiently distinct from each other to be formally recognized as individual species.One of the lead researchers, Dr. Melissa Hawkins, from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (SMNH), told BBC News that the discovery showed the "amazing" diversity of life on our planet still to be revealed. "We think we know about the natural world," said Dr. Hawkins, "but even groups l...

 Genomics: Unlocking the Secrets of DNAAs we journey into the realm of genomics, it's like embarking on a fascinating exploration of our own instruction manual – DNA. Imagine a book with billions of letters, each holding the key to who we are. That's genomics, the field that's unraveling the mysteries hidden within the twists and turns of our genetic code. Let's dive into this captivating world and discover how genomics is transforming our understanding of life.The Personal Tale Encoded in DNAUnraveling Ancestral ThreadsTake Maria, for instance, who embarked on a quest to trace her ancestry through a popular consumer DNA testing kit. The results not only revealed a rich tapestry of her familial history but also connected her with distant relatives across the globe. Genomics isn't just about decoding genes; it's a journey into the past, unlocking stories that span continents and generations.Health InsightsJohn's journey with genomics took a turn toward the medical realm. A routine ge...

 In a lab in Manchester, volunteers are donning masks to breathe in lungfuls of polluted air.They're being exposed to different kinds of fumes, from diesel to cleaning products, in a bid to understand how pollution impacts the brain.Scientists are analysing blood samples and the results of cognitive tests taken before and after exposure.While it's well known that air quality affects the lungs and cardiovascular system, the brain is less studied.Dr Ian Mudway, an environmental toxicologist from Imperial College London, is one of the scientists leading the study."Over the last 10 years, we have begun to see statistical associations between air pollution and a whole range of brain-related issues - all the way from how children learn, the way in which their cognition changes, to mental health and increased risks of dementia."What we're trying to do in this study is to actually do experiments to understand why there's an association, to find out what the underlying biological mechanisms are ...

 New Frontiers in Particle Physics: Unraveling the Mysteries of the UniverseEmbarking on a Subatomic AdventureA Personal Prelude to Particle PhysicsPicture a vast cosmos, each twinkling star hiding secrets beyond imagination. My journey into particle physics felt like boarding a spaceship into the subatomic universe, a realm where particles dance, collide, and reveal the fundamental mysteries of existence.Personal Prelude: Start with a personal anecdote that captures the intrigue and excitement of delving into the world of particle physics, setting the stage for a captivating exploration.Unveiling the Building Blocks: The Standard ModelDancing Quarks and LeptonsThe Standard Model serves as the cosmic blueprint, outlining the fundamental particles that constitute the universe. Quarks, leptons, and force carriers perform an intricate cosmic ballet, revealing the elegant simplicity hidden within the complexities of the subatomic world.The Standard Model Ballet: Share personal insights or s...

 Genetic Editing: Navigating the Ethical and Scientific FrontierEmbarking on the Genetic Odyssey: A Personal PreludeThe Initial FascinationEmbarking on the journey into the realm of genetic editing was akin to setting sail into uncharted waters. I was initially captivated by the promises of eradicating genetic diseases, envisioning a future where science could rewrite the very fabric of our DNA. Little did I realize the ethical and scientific complexities that lay ahead.Personal insight: Share a personal anecdote about the initial fascination with genetic editing, setting the stage for the exploration of both its promises and challenges.Genetic Editing Unveiled: The Scientific MarvelCrispr and the Precision RevolutionAt the heart of genetic editing lies CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary tool that allows scientists to precisely modify DNA. The sheer precision of this technology opened up possibilities previously deemed impossible. From correcting faulty genes to enhancing desired traits, the ...

 The Geminids meteor shower, renowned for its vibrant streaks of light across the night sky, has captivated stargazers worldwide.Visible globally, these meteors are observable with the naked eye, provided the sky is clear of clouds and free from the effects of light pollution.In optimal conditions, spectators can witness dozens of meteors per hour.NASA heralds the Geminids as one of the year's "best and most reliable annual meteor showers."Causes of the Geminid Meteor ShowerMeteors become visible when the Earth traverses trails of debris from comets or asteroids. As this debris enters our planet's atmosphere, it burns up, generating spectacular streaks of light.The Geminids originate from celestial debris left behind by a rocky asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon.Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist and co-host of The Sky at Night, clarifies that "shooting stars actually have nothing to do with stars." According to her, it's the tiny bits of debris burning up.Dr. Aderin-Pocock notes th...

 Quantum Computing: Unveiling the Power of TomorrowPicture this: a realm where computers transcend the boundaries of classical physics, tapping into the mysterious world of quantum mechanics. This is the fascinating frontier of quantum computing, a technological leap that holds the promise of revolutionizing the way we process information. Join me on a journey to unravel the complexities of quantum computing, peppered with personal anecdotes and a keen eye on the groundbreaking strides in this innovative field.A Brush with Quantum ConceptsBefore we plunge into the quantum realm, let me take you back to a moment when the concept of quantum mechanics sparked my curiosity. A physics class in college introduced me to the peculiar behavior of subatomic particles, laying the groundwork for an appreciation of the unconventional principles that govern the quantum world.Quantum Quirks: A Classroom DiscoveryReflecting on quantum quirks, I recalled the mind-bending ideas presented in that classroo...

 Ocean Exploration: A Journey to the Deep BlueEmbarking on an underwater odyssey, the realm of ocean exploration opens up a world of mystery, wonder, and scientific discovery. Join me as we delve into the profound depths of the ocean, drawing insights from personal anecdotes and shedding light on the captivating discoveries that await beneath the surface.The Call of the AbyssBefore we dive into the intricacies of ocean exploration, let me share a personal story. The first time I stood at the edge of the ocean, gazing into the vastness of the abyss, I felt an inexplicable pull—a call to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the waves.The Ocean's Whisper: A Mysterious AllureReflecting on the mysterious allure, I remembered the ocean's whisper, teasing with tales of uncharted territories and undiscovered species. Little did I know that ocean exploration would evolve into a frontier of scientific marvels.Unveiling the Unknown: A Submersible SagaOcean exploration has come a long way from the ...

 Nutritional Breakthroughs: What’s New in Health ScienceIn the ever-evolving landscape of health science, the spotlight is on nutritional breakthroughs that are reshaping the way we think about our well-being. Join us on a journey through the latest discoveries and personal anecdotes that shed light on how these breakthroughs are transforming the health and nutrition scene.The Gut Microbiome: Unveiling the Power WithinPersonal Stories of Gut Health TransformationsOur gut, often referred to as the "second brain," has become a focal point in nutritional research. Personal anecdotes reveal how individuals have experienced profound transformations in their health by paying attention to their gut microbiome. From improved digestion to enhanced mood, these stories underscore the intricate connection between gut health and overall well-being.Superfoods Redefined: Beyond the HypePersonal Anecdotes of Incorporating SuperfoodsSuperfoods have been in the limelight for a while, but what happens w...