News/Info Briefs
Sunlight takes about 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach Earth.
Airbus A350-1000ULR officially dethrones the Boeing 777. Guinness World Records has confirmed that the jet flew farther nonstop than any commercial airliner in history: 14,388 miles (12,503 nautical miles), from Melbourne, Australia, to Toulouse, France. Airbus announced the record today. Source
Australia creates a new home for endangered 'forest fairies'. Nine critically endangered Leadbeater's possums have been released into a protected habitat in Victoria after conservationists planted 900,000 trees and built predator-proof fencing. Source
Journalist finds a happier second career as a beekeeper at 69. Canadian journalist Jeff Lee left his stressful profession and started a bee farm with two hives. It has grown to 800 hives, giving him a new purpose in retirement. Source
Strength training protects muscles during weight-loss treatment. A 40-week trial involving 120 adults found that patients taking tirzepatide preserved more muscle and improved strength when they exercised with weights three times weekly. Source
Fibre protects the intestine's natural defence system. Researchers found that gut bacteria deprived of dietary fibre may begin consuming the protective mucus lining of the intestine. Vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains help maintain this important barrier. Source
New technique improves healing of diabetic foot ulcers. A clinical trial involving 100 patients found that a technique using tiny incisions alongside standard treatment increased ulcer healing to 49%, compared with 27.5% with standard treatment alone. Source
Natural molecule may help cancer survivors overcome brain fog. A small UCLA study found that breast cancer survivors taking oxaloacetate for eight weeks reported improvements in memory, concentration and fatigue. Larger controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings. Source
AI system simulates everything from flowing sand to proteins. Researchers have developed WorldParticle, an AI system that models different physical processes using one architecture. It could accelerate research in medicine, materials and robotics. Source
Robot successfully demonstrates construction in space. Engineers at Caltech have demonstrated an autonomous robot capable of assembling structures in orbit. The technology could eventually help build giant telescopes and solar power stations in space. Source
Scientists make light behave like a solid and a liquid. Researchers have demonstrated an unusual quantum state called a supersolid at room temperature. The discovery could eventually contribute to advanced optical computers and highly sensitive sensors. Source
CERN detects evidence of an extremely rare particle decay. Scientists have observed a process pursued for nearly 40 years, involving a beauty particle decaying into two muons. The finding could help reveal new particles and forces of nature. Source