Science Daily

• Scientists discover a surprising twist in Japan's 7,300-year-old volcanic apocalypse

  A catastrophic volcanic eruption 7,300 years ago devastated Japan, but new research reveals that its impact on prehistoric populations was far more complex than previously believed. While some communities disappeared or declined, others unexpectedly flourished as survivors migrated, adapted, and found new ways to thrive.

• Archaeologists discover 1,200-year-old mummified hairless dog in Peru

  Archaeologists have discovered 1,200-year-old remains of Peru’s famous hairless dogs at an ancient Wari Empire burial site, including remarkably preserved mummies and puppies buried alongside humans. Their unusual teeth, diets, and burial arrangements reveal surprising clues about how ancient Peruvians cared for, bred, and sometimes discarded their dogs.

• NASA discovers hidden fires burning beneath the Amazon rainforest

  El Niño is fueling a dangerous cascade of wildfires across the tropics, with the Amazon rainforest now experiencing widespread burning and scientists warning that the worst may still be ahead. NASA researchers are uncovering dozens of previously undetected fires, suggesting the destruction could be even more extensive than satellite records show.

• This bird flies thousands of miles, but its wings have a catch

  Scientists have uncovered an unexpected trade-off in the wings of the European nightjar, a bird that migrates thousands of kilometers but sacrifices high-speed flight efficiency to hunt insects with remarkable agility. Even more surprisingly, it generates thrust on the upward wingbeat, a technique that could inspire new flying technologies.

• Stanford’s new microscope reveals living cells like never before

  Stanford scientists have developed a revolutionary microscope that reveals the hidden inner workings of living cells in real time, without the fluorescent labels that can interfere with observations. The breakthrough could provide new insights into cancer, infectious diseases, and how drugs interact with cells.