Cold planets exist throughout our galaxy, even in the galactic bulge, research suggests
Although thousands of planets have been discovered in the Milky Way, most reside less than a few thousand light years from Earth. Yet our Galaxy is more than 100,000 light years across, making it difficult to investigate the Galactic distribution
Here’s how mysterious last-resort antibiotics kill bacteria
Polymyxins turn cell membranes into brittle, breakable crystals To kill drug-resistant bacteria, “last-resort” antibiotics borrow a tactic from Medusa’s playbook: petrification. New high-resolution microscope images show that a class of antibiotics called polymyxins crystallize the cell membranes of bacteria. The honeycomb-shaped crystals that form turn the microbes’ usually supple skins
Catastrophic solar storms may not explain shadows of radiation in trees
Upticks in radiocarbon in ancient tree rings do not align with the solar cycle A cryptic chemical signature of unknown origins, hidden for centuries inside the trunks of Earth’s trees, just became even more mysterious. In the last decade, scientists have discovered traces on Earth of six intense bursts of
Where are the long COVID clinics?
This interactive map shows locations, suggesting that finding care for lingering symptoms can be a challenge For the millions of people in the United States with long COVID, getting help comes down to where they live. Long COVID clinics have been popping up, but their accessibility and the kind of
Here’s how polar bears might get traction on snow
Tiny protrusions on the bears’ paws offer greater friction Tiny “fingers” can help polar bears get a grip. Like the rubbery nubs on the bottom of baby socks, microstructures on the bears’ paw pads offer some extra friction, scientists report November 1 in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
