Science news

• Mom's in control, even before you're born

  25-01-2016 18:55
  Researchers have uncovered previously unappreciated means by which epigenetic information contained in the egg influences the development of the placenta during pregnancy. The research, which was performed in mice, indicates that a mother's health, even before conception, may influence the health of her fetus, and opens questions on how a mother's age may influence placental development.
  
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• Our Milky Way galaxy gobbled up a smaller galaxy about 11.8 billion years ago, scientists find

  18-08-2026 18:58 via cbc.ca
  
  Scientists observing clusters of stars congregated near the Milky Way's centre have discovered evidence that our galaxy swallowed a smaller galaxy roughly 11.8 billion years ago, when the universe was less than 15 per cent of its current age.
  
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• Work on £1.5m nature reserve to start next month

  18-08-2026 15:25 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A charity says the nature reserve will be a "very special thing" for the town once complete.
  
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• Distinct properties of glutamate-dopamine, nonglutamate-dopamine, and glutamate-only ventral tegmental area neurons | Science Signaling

  18-08-2026 15:01 via science.org
  
  Glutamate cotransmission predicts the behavioral functions and characteristics of dopaminergic neurons in the VTA.
  
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• A genome-wide map of the genetic network in monocytes that regulates type I interferon induction by the cGAS-STING pathway | Science Signaling

  18-08-2026 15:01 via science.org
  
  Genetic screens identify context-dependent regulators of STING-driven IFN-β induction in monocytes.
  
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• How soon will the drought be over?

  18-08-2026 14:26 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Rain has returned to parts of the UK this week but is it enough to end the drought some regions are facing?
  
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• Solar panel critic now 'supporter of plan'

  18-08-2026 07:19 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A dispute over a solar panel plan is resolved, with the complainant now a proponent for the site.
  
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• Watch: Flash flood sweeps vehicle away in Hawaii after Hurricane Lala

  17-08-2026 17:35 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Tropical storm warnings remain for some of the state's islands, as the storm is due to progress west.
  
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• More hosepipe bans in force as drought declared - is your area affected?

  17-08-2026 17:27 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Nearly 30 million people have been placed under hosepipe bans due to higher demand and low rainfall.
  
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• Consultation ending on controversial Rosebank oil field

  17-08-2026 13:25 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Supporters and opponents of the controversial plans have been making their cases on the £8.7bn project.
  
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• Heat and farming changes stop sea lettuce growth

  17-08-2026 13:14 via bbc.co.uk
  
  St Aubin's Bay enjoys a summer without the green sea lettuce that has previously caused problems.
  
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• Muir resignation demand is 'not personal' says UFU

  17-08-2026 13:06 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The Ulster Farmers' Union rejects a claim that it is trying to dictate policy after a cattle cull.
  
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• Preservation order protects 300-year-old oak

  17-08-2026 12:40 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Six tree preservation orders are issued to protect important trees across a borough in Devon.
  
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• About 100 homes swept away after Hurricane Lala lashes Hawaii

  17-08-2026 02:20 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The state's governor says there "amazingly" does not seem to have been any loss of life besides a car crash.
  
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• Belgian wildfire doubles in size on third day tearing through nature reserve

  16-08-2026 22:01 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Hundreds of firefighters are trying to contain the flames consuming the major park.
  
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• Tiny, beautiful species are going missing from restored forests and wetlands

  16-08-2026 10:00 via cbc.ca
  
  A regrown forest can look tall, lush and green. Restored wetlands can buzz with insects and flutter with birds. But scientists looking more closely are finding that some of their smallest inhabitants — mosses, lichens and algae — are still missing.
  
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• The influencers getting bitten while chasing the perfect shark shot

  16-08-2026 01:04 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Tayane Dalazen was on a shark-diving trip in Brazil when she was attacked.
  
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• Hollywood actor seeks help from vicar for series

  15-08-2026 15:46 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Rev Paul Cawthorne helped Michael Sheen identify sites where toxic waste was dumped in the 1970s.
  
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• Cornish sardines back on menu for penguins

  15-08-2026 13:08 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The move follows a chance conversation at the wildlife attraction and replaces imported fish.
  
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• Endangered monarch butterflies boom amid wet hot Canadian summer on the Prairies

  15-08-2026 13:00 via cbc.ca
  
  Monarch butterflies are booming on parts of the Canadian prairie, thanks in part to a wet and hot summer that's produced a healthy population of flowering plants and milkweed that the endangered species depends on.
  
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• This Ontario farm uses bees for relaxation therapy. Is it a buzzkill for stress?

  15-08-2026 11:00 via cbc.ca
  
  Half a million bees are buzzing at a southwestern Ontario farm to offer visitors a way to help them relax and reduce stress. Those providing bee bed therapy, which is offered at a handful of Canadian locations, say it provides mental health benefits. But there’s still a dearth of scientific evidence around it.
  
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• P.E.I. may have more snowshoe hares since Fiona, wildlife biologist says

  15-08-2026 11:00 via cbc.ca
  
  Snowshoe hares appear to be more common across Prince Edward Island in the years since post-tropical storm Fiona, says a provincial wildlife biologist.
  
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• Draft dark skies guidance drawn up for the Highlands

  15-08-2026 10:32 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The plan to reduce light pollution could be put out for public consultation at a later date.
  
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• Instead of making hydrogen, this Canadian company is drilling for it

  15-08-2026 10:00 via cbc.ca
  
  A Saskatchewan company is drilling for hydrogen to prove it can be extracted from the ground at a commercial scale. Max Power says that could lead to greener, cheaper hydrogen for decarbonizing industry and transportation. Here's what you need to know about the development of natural hydrogen.
  
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• Solar eclipse inspires talk of Pac-man and Shinto myths

  15-08-2026 08:08 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Thousands turned out to watch the solar eclipse in the South West; here's what they made of it.
  
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• Rare breeding bat found roosting near reservoir

  14-08-2026 18:42 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The Nathusius' pipistrelle is believed to be the first confirmed discovery of its kind in the area.
  
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• 'Days of the farmers' union dictating policy are over' - Muir

  14-08-2026 18:07 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir says he will continue to engage with the Ulster Farmers' Union.
  
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• Electric vehicle sales targets could be cut after pressure from car makers

  14-08-2026 17:58 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The government says it is considering cutting the new electric car sales target from 80% to 50% by 2030.
  
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• Why fossilized feces from ancestors of modern animals help us understand Earth’s early ecosystems

  14-08-2026 10:00 via cbc.ca
  
  A study of fossilized feces, known as coprolites, from 540 million years ago found fecal matter likely played a significant role in an explosion of biodiversity in the early Cambrian period. Paleontologists say these fossils can tell us a lot about ancient animals and the ecosystems they inhabited.
  
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• Hidden moth population found after 70 years

  14-08-2026 07:07 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Dr Dave Wainwright describes the discovery as one of the highlights of his career.
  
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