Science News Digest: Mars Water, Lunar Racing, Ancient Blood, and More
Ancient Martian Meteorite Offers Clues to Water on Mars
A meteorite found in the Sahara Desert formed more than 4.1 billion years ago and is among the oldest known Martian meteorites. Its composition may provide insight into the formation of Mars’ early crust and whether the planet interacted with water. Read more: 4-billion-year-old 'Rosetta Stone' found in Sahara Desert could unlock the secret history of water on Mars
China and NASA Set Competing Lunar Landing Targets
China has outlined plans to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030, while NASA aims to achieve a crewed lunar landing in 2028. The schedules put the two programs in direct competition for a major milestone in human spaceflight. Read more: China lays out plans to land astronauts on the moon 'before 2030.' Can NASA still win this race? - Space
Trial Challenges Conventional Approaches to Statin Decisions
In a trial of nearly 5,800 adults, coronary calcium scans led to fewer statin recommendations than traditional risk assessments while producing a similar observed rate of major cardiovascular events. Patients who received statin advice based on their scans were nearly three times more likely to adhere to treatment. Read more: Major trial challenges how doctors decide who really needs statins
Self-Forming Membrane Could Transform Oil Refining
Researchers have developed a membrane that separates crude oil at room temperature and forms microscopic filtration channels using the oil itself. If the reported benefits hold at industrial scale, the technology could reduce refining energy consumption, carbon emissions, and operating costs substantially. Read more: Scientists discover that a clogged filter could revolutionize oil refining
Traces of Ancient Dinosaur Blood Identified in Fossils
Researchers have detected chemically confirmed traces of ancient blood in dinosaur bones dating back 115 million years. The preservation may provide new evidence about dinosaur physiology and improve approaches for searching for traces of ancient life beyond Earth. Read more: Scientists just found dinosaur blood that survived 115 million years
NASA Unveils Experimental X-70 Fractal Aircraft
NASA has introduced the X-70 Fractal, an experimental X-plane designed to explore advanced maneuverability and rapid design reconfiguration. The project is part of NASA’s broader effort to test technologies that could influence future aeronautics. Read more: NASA announces experimental X-70 Fractal aircraft: A 'new beginning for aeronautics'