Science

Sytlised animation of how The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will operate in space.
World
The Washington Post

Rare look at NASA’s new tool in the search for ‘dark energy’

NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is preparing for launch in 2027, with a mission to study distant galaxies and explore dark energy.

Updated
Read more (7 min) →
Blue Origin’s new Glenn launch vehicle is set to take Jeff Bezos back into the space race.
World
The Economist

Can Jeff Bezos match Elon Musk in space?

After 25 years, Blue Origin finally heads to orbit, and hopes to become a contender in the private space race.

Updated
Read more (6 min) →
Heatwave conditions have cooled in some parts of Australia but are expected to persist in others. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)
Climate Change
Adrian Black

Summer rain, heatwaves signal perils of extreme season ahead

Australia's summer weather perils have arrived with heatwave conditions in the south and heavy rain forecast in the north.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
A newborn baby can theoretically 'sway' to music. Babies appear to be able to perceive the beat in music shortly after birth.
Science
Pat Hagan

How newborns are unlocking the secrets of the human brain

A baby, no more than a few days old, has its head covered in electrodes - but it’s no emergency intervention to save the bub’s life. It’s to answer one question: do they understand rhythm?

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
In recent months, Earth’s star has ramped up activity.
Science
Denise Chow

‘The season for big solar storms’: Why more auroras are in store for Earth

The sun's recent solar flares have triggered severe geomagnetic storms and supercharged dazzling displays of the northern lights.

Updated
Read more (4 min) →
Video
A $5 million funding boost is set to transform the treatment of childhood cancers in Australia.
Health
Rhiannon Lewin

Scout was born with a rare brain tumour. Breakthrough research has given her new hope

The one-year-old endured months of treatment from a young age, including surgery and chemotherapy.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
Research by Associate Professor Dan Gough could halt the spread ofa cancer invisible to the body.
Science
Adrian Black

'Invisible' cancer revealed as researchers try to find key to killer cells

Helping the body’s own killer cells to recognise tumours could hold the key to fighting deadly invisible cancers.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
New data reveals sitting at your desk all day may put you at greater risk for heart disease, even if you work out in your spare time. File image
Health
Madeline Holcombe

This work habit is killing you. And you can’t counteract it in your spare time

Scientists have recommendations on how to combat the issue.

Updated
Read more (3 min) →
Video
Australians are invited to watch an out-of-this-world display with the Leonid meteor shower expected to light up the night sky over the next week. 
Science
Sarah Keszler

Meteor shower set to light up Australian skies this weekend

Stargazers across the country are set for an out-of-this-world display. Here’s what you need to know.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
Australians 14 and over can use the Chart Your Fart app to take part in the CSIRO’s gut health study.
Science
Aaron Bunch

'Chart your fart': Call for Aussies to track gas habits on new app

Scientists want Australians to record the quality, quantity, aroma, loudness and duration of their farts using a phone app for a gut health study.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
After centuries of debate, scientists claim to have cracked the ancient riddle.
Society
Xantha Leatham

Scientists finally crack age-old chicken or egg question

We know eggs come from chickens and chickens come from eggs, but the question of which comes first has been unanswerable —until now, it seems.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
It's still unclear which US astronaut who returned to earth in October needed medical treatment.
Science
Marcia Dunn

NASA ISS astronauts tight-lipped after ‘medical issue’

Three US astronauts who returned from the International Space Station are remaining tight-lipped about an onboard ‘medical issue’.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
Video
Ancient DNA might be the reason for your love of carbohydrates such as bread and pasta
Science
Nina Massey

Ancient DNA could be a reason for your love of carbs

A study has found the duplication of a gene — known as the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) — may have helped shape human adaptation to starchy foods.

Updated
Read more (3 min) →
Dr Fares Braizat (from left), Fadi Balawi, Josh Gates and Dr Pearce Paul Creasman look into the newly discovered tomb at Petra.
World
Staff writers

‘Holy Grail’ found in tomb under Indiana Jones film site

The remains and artefacts found in the hidden tomb are believed to be over 2000 years old.

Updated
Read more (2 min) →
SpaceX landed the booster of its massive Starship rocket during a test flight
World
The Economist

Musk achieves spaceflight’s biggest breakthrough in 60 years

If SpaceX can land and reuse the most powerful rocket ever made what can’t it do?

Updated
Read more (5 min) →