Science Highlights: Lithium Breakthroughs, Space Experiments, and Ancient Discoveries
Today's science news covers breakthroughs in clean energy technology, ambitious space experiments, pharmaceutical discoveries, and remarkable archaeological finds.
Faster, Cleaner Lithium Extraction for EV Batteries
A Columbia Engineering team has created a new technique using temperature-sensitive solvents to extract lithium directly from salty brines, potentially eliminating the need for water-intensive evaporation ponds and enabling use of lower-quality lithium sources. Read more: Scientists just found a faster, cleaner way to extract lithium for EV batteries
China Launches Human Embryo Cells to ISS for Reproduction Study
China has launched cultured human embryo cells to the International Space Station as part of a scientific experiment investigating whether mammalian reproduction can occur in microgravity conditions. Read more: China launches 'human artificial embryos' to space in bid to see whether reproduction is possible off-world - Live Science
Wegovy Linked to Rare "Eye Stroke" Risk
Researchers analyzing FDA side-effect reports have identified a significantly higher risk signal for a rare "eye stroke" associated with Wegovy compared to Ozempic, despite both drugs containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Read more: Wegovy linked to rare "eye stroke" that can cause sudden blindness
China Announces Year-Long Crewed Space Mission for Moon Program
China has announced plans to launch a year-long crewed spaceflight as part of its ambitious program to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030, marking another milestone in the country's rapidly expanding space capabilities. Read more: China to send astronaut on year-long space mission as it eyes 2030 moon landing - Reuters
Oldest Known Wooden Tools Uncovered in Greece
Archaeologists have uncovered 430,000-year-old wooden hand tools at a lakeside site in Greece, making them the oldest known wooden implements ever used by humans and revealing that our ancient ancestors possessed far greater skill than previously thought. Read more: Scientists discover the oldest wooden tools ever used by humans
Source of Most Powerful Neutrino Ever Detected Identified
Researchers have identified blazars — supermassive black holes firing jets of matter directly at Earth — as the likely source of the highest-energy neutrino ever recorded, which was detected in the Mediterranean Sea. Read more: Scientists may have found the source of the most powerful neutrino ever detected