Science Highlights: Ancient Life, Modern Medicine, and Climate Insights

This week's science news spans millions of years of Earth's history, from dinosaur physiology to modern disease prediction. Researchers have made advances in understanding ancient creatures, human health, and climate phenomena.

T. Rex Warm-Blooded Evidence

Chemical analysis of 66-million-year-old T. rex teeth has revealed that the dinosaur maintained a body temperature of about 97°F (36°C), providing direct evidence that the iconic predator was warm-blooded and could remain active even in cold northern environments like Alaska. Read more: A 66-million-year-old tooth reveals T. rex was nearly as warm as a human

Hidden Gut Defect in IBD Patients

Scientists have discovered a hidden molecular warning sign in the gut that persists even when inflammatory bowel disease patients feel well, potentially explaining why the condition frequently recurs after apparent remission. Read more: Hidden gut defect that may explain why IBD keeps coming back

Heat-Tolerant Deep-Sea Enzyme

Scientists studying a deep-sea microbe have discovered an enzyme that performs nitrogen fixation at extreme temperatures, revealing a potentially ancient mechanism that could inform cleaner fertilizer production. Read more: This deep-sea enzyme survives heat that destroys most proteins

Hurricane Intensity Prediction

Researchers analyzing nearly 30 years of Hurricane Hunter aircraft reconnaissance data have identified four key atmospheric features that signal when a tilted tropical cyclone is beginning to straighten its circulation and may be primed to intensify rapidly. Read more: Hurricane Hunters reveal 4 warning signs that a storm is about to strengthen

Plague Evolution Over Centuries

Genomic analysis of ancient plague DNA has revealed that the bacterium returned to Europe repeatedly for over four centuries following the Black Death, evolving into distinct lineages that spread via trade routes, human migration, and warfare. Read more: Ancient DNA reveals how plague kept returning for 400 years after the Black Death