Brittle stars can learn just fine, even without a brain
We humans are fixated on big brains as a proxy for smarts. But headless animals called brittle stars have no brains at all and still manage to learn through experience, new research reveals......»»
Scientists show how pregnancy changes the brain in innumerable ways
Neuroscientist Liz Chrastil got the unique chance to see how her brain changed while she was pregnant and share what she learned in a new study that offers the first detailed map of a woman's brain throughout gestation......»»
Brazil judge seizes cash from Starlink to cover fine imposed on Elon Musk’s X
Starlink and X treated as one economic group, forcing both to pay X fines. Enlarge / Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro participate in an event in the central area of Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 7, 2024. Bolsonaro.....»»
This Brain Implant Lets People Control Amazon Alexa With Their Minds
Neuralink rival Synchron is connecting its brain–computer interface with consumer technologies to allow people with paralysis more functionality......»»
Astronomers detect black hole "starving" its host galaxy to death
Astronomers have used the NASA/ESA James Webb Space Telescope to confirm that supermassive black holes can starve their host galaxies of the fuel they need to form new stars. The results are reported in the journal Nature Astronomy......»»
Researchers simulate novel metal-filtered VCSEL modal control
A study led by researchers from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed a novel metal-dielectric film mode filter structure that can flexibly regulate transverse modes in vertical-cavi.....»»
If you have to watch one (HBO) Max movie in September 2024, stream this one
The one (HBO) Max movie that you have to watch in September is a science fiction movie from 2015 that reaches for the stars......»»
The latest Samsung Galaxy S25 leak has me worried
The base model Samsung Galaxy S25 has leaked. The "new" design looks visually fine, but it also has me worried about something else......»»
Experimental data help unravel the mystery surrounding the creation of heavy elements in stars
How are stars born, and how do they die? How do they produce the energy that keeps them burning for billions of years? How do they create the elements we observe today? Definitive answers to these questions continue to elude scientists in their quest.....»»
Spiny mice point the way to new path in social neuroscience
Scientists have zeroed in on brain circuitry powering the desire of spiny mice to live in large groups, opening the door to a new model for the study of complex social behaviors in mammals......»»
Image: James Webb Space Telescope observes nearby star-forming region NGC 1333 in infrared
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has infrared vision that lets us peer through the dusty veil of nearby star-forming region NGC 1333. We can see planetary mass objects, newborn stars, and brown dwarfs; some of the faintest "stars" in this mosaic ima.....»»
Google Pixel Watch 3 review: the smartwatch I’ve been waiting for
The Google Pixel Watch 3 isn't just a good smartwatch — it's one of the best I've used this year. Learn why in my full review......»»
Maker Faire Bay Area: Learn All the Things at Field Trip Friday, October 18th
From mastering the art of soldering to crafting paper circuits and launching rockets, the opportunities for learning are boundless at Maker Faire Field Trip Day. Just ask teacher Michael Kim, who brought his students last year (and came himself as a.....»»
Speakers announced for the Ars Technica infrastructure event in San Jose
Come register to join us on September 18, learn some stuff, and hang out! Enlarge / The Computer History Museum, where we'll be meeting for our Bay Area adventure on September 18! (credit: SpVVK / Getty Images) Howdy, Ar.....»»
Apple must pay €13 billion in back taxes after losing final appeal
EU's top court also upholds €2.4 billion antitrust fine against Google. Enlarge (credit: Getty Images | SOPA Images ) Apple has suffered a significant defeat after the EU’s top court ruled that the iPhone maker must.....»»
Formation of super-Earths proven limited near metal-poor stars
In a new study, astronomers report novel evidence regarding the limits of planet formation, finding that after a certain point, planets larger than Earth have difficulty forming near low-metallicity stars......»»
Scientists learn how to drug wily class of disease-causing enzymes
UCSF scientists have discovered how to target a class of molecular switches called GTPases that are involved in a myriad of diseases from Parkinson's to cancer and have long been thought to be "undruggable.".....»»
How context-specific factors control gene activity
Every cell in our body contains the same DNA, yet liver cells are different from brain cells, and skin cells differ from muscle cells. What determines these differences? It all comes down to gene regulation; essentially how and when genes are turned.....»»
Belkin’s new iPad keyboard case may be better than Apple’s Magic Keyboard
One of the stars I spotted at an early event during IFA 2024 was this excellent keyboard case for the Apple iPad Air and iPad Pro......»»
Life is Strange: Double Exposure’s supernatural story already has me hooked
Life is Strange: Double Exposure stars protagonist Max Caufield on another supernatural adventure. Here's what we experienced in our demo at PAX West......»»
Tagged fish help scientists improve restoration efforts
NOAA scientists are collaborating with some unique partners to learn more about how several Chesapeake Bay species use natural and restored areas near Poplar Island, on Maryland's Eastern Shore......»»