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Scientists Uncover Pre-Solar Stardust in Asteroid Bennu Samples

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Scientists have discovered an unexpectedly high quantity of pre-solar particles (dust from supernovae predating our solar system) in samples obtained from the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu by NASA’s Osiris-Rex spacecraft.

Characterization of pre-solar spinel hibonite particles collected from the asteroid Bennu. Image credit: Nguyen et al., doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02688-3.

Dr. Anh Nguyen from NASA’s Johnson Space Center and colleagues noted, “Pre-solar stardust particles are typically found in trace amounts within meteorites, interplanetary dust particles, Antarctic meteorites, samples returned from comet 81 P/Wild2 by NASA’s Stardust mission, and those from the carbonaceous asteroid Ryugu collected by JAXA’s Hayabusa2 mission.”

“Their distinct isotopic compositions arise from nucleosynthetic processes in evolved red giant stars, supernovae, and novae.”

“The mineralogy and chemistry of these pre-solar particles can provide insights into condensation conditions and the impacts of secondary alteration, as they are prone to changes and destruction in space, solar nebulae, and planetesimals.”

In their study, researchers examined pre-solar particles found within two different rock types in the samples from Bennu.

The sample had six times the particles compared to any other astronomical material studied, indicating its parent body formed in an area of a protoplanetary disk abundant with the dust from a dying star.

The research also pointed out that while Bennu’s parent asteroid has experienced significant fluid-induced alterations, there are still pockets of less-altered material within the sample, offering clues to its origins.

“These remnants are rich in organic compounds and pre-solar silicate particles, which are generally vulnerable to alteration caused by asteroid water,” Dr. Nguyen remarked.

“It’s remarkable that they were preserved in the Bennu sample, suggesting certain materials escaped alteration in the parent body.”

“Our investigation highlights the variety of pre-solar material that accumulates during parent formation.”

A study detailing the findings was published in the journal on December 2nd, in Nature Astronomy.

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Anh Nguyen et al. Abundant supernova dust and heterogeneous water alteration revealed by stardust of two lithofacies on asteroid Bennu. Nat Astron published online on December 2, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02688-3

Source: www.sci.news

Sticky Substance Discovered in Asteroid Bennu Samples

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This rubbery material is a first for space observations and likely originated during the early formation of the solar system as Bennu’s parent asteroid heated up. Initially soft and pliable, it hardened into an ancient “space gum” made up of a polymer rich in nitrogen and oxygen. The presence of such complex molecules may have contributed essential chemical precursors for the emergence of life on Earth, making their discovery in Bennu’s pristine samples crucial for scientists studying the origins of life and the potential for life beyond our planet.

Electron micrograph of particles taken from a Bennu sample. Image credit: Sandford et al., doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02694-5.

Bennu’s parent asteroid originated from material in the solar nebula (the rotating cloud of gas and dust that formed our solar system) and was composed of various minerals and ice.

As the asteroid warmed from natural radiation, compounds known as carbamates were created through reactions involving ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Despite being water-soluble, carbamates can persist long enough to polymerize and interact with other molecules, forming larger, more complex chains that are water-resistant.

This indicates that the parent asteroid formed before it became a watery environment.

“With this unusual material, we may be observing one of the earliest transformations that occurred in this rock,” stated Dr. Scott Sandford, a researcher at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

“In this ancient asteroid, formed in the early epochs of our solar system, we are witnessing events close to the dawn of time.”

The study explored the properties of this gum-like substance from Bennu.

As more information was revealed, it became apparent that the material was deposited in layers over ice and mineral grains present on the asteroid.

This material was also flexible, resembling the texture of used gum or soft plastic.

During their analysis, researchers observed that this peculiar material could bend and create indentations when pressure was applied.

The object was translucent and became brittle upon radiation exposure, reminiscent of a lawn chair left outdoors for several seasons.

“Analyzing its chemical composition shows that it contains similar chemical groups found in polyurethane on Earth, thus making this Bennu material comparable to ‘space plastic’,” Dr. Sandford explained.

“However, the material from ancient asteroids goes beyond just being polyurethane, which is a structured polymer.”

“It has a more random assortment of connections, with varying elemental compositions for each particle.”

The team’s findings were published in the Journal on December 2, 2025, in Nature Astronomy.

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SA Sandford et al. Nitrogen- and oxygen-rich organic material indicates polymerization in preaqueous low-temperature chemistry in Bennu’s parent body. Nat Astron published online on December 2, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41550-025-02694-5

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Uncover Alien Bioessential Sugars in Asteroid Bennu Samples

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A collaborative effort by researchers from the U.S. and Japan examined extracts from near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, gathered by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security Regolith Explorer) spacecraft, and uncovered several bioessential sugars, such as ribose (an RNA sugar) and glucose (a metabolic substrate).

This mosaic image of asteroid Bennu consists of 12 images collected by OSIRIS-REx’s PolyCam instrument on December 2, 2018 from a range of 15 miles (24 km). Image credit: NASA / NASA Goddard Space Flight Center / University of Arizona.

“The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully returned 121.6 g of regolith (unconsolidated granular material) from Bennu to Earth on September 24, 2023, under stringent conditions,” stated Yoshihiro Furukawa, a researcher at Tohoku University, along with his team.

“The samples were preserved in high-purity nitrogen at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.”

“Initial studies revealed that Bennu possesses mineralogical and elemental traits similar to carbonaceous chondrites, is enriched in carbon and nitrogen compared to most meteorites, but resembles ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites, and has undergone extensive aqueous alteration.”

“The analyzed samples from Bennu so far include soluble organic compounds like amino acids, amines, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, nucleobases, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and a diverse array of soluble molecules comprising carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.”

“We utilized this pristine asteroid material to investigate extraterrestrial bioessential sugars.”

The research team made a notable discovery of ribose, which contains five carbon atoms, and glucose, which has six, marking the first time these sugars have been identified in extraterrestrial samples.

While these sugars do not serve as direct evidence of life, their detection—along with previously identified amino acids, nucleobases, and carboxylic acids in Bennu samples—suggests that the fundamental building blocks of biomolecules were widely distributed throughout the solar system.

Furukawa et al. We discovered the essential sugars ribose and glucose in samples from the near-Earth asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission. Image credit: NASA / Goddard / University of Arizona / Dan Gallagher.

In Earth life, deoxyribose and ribose serve as critical components of DNA and RNA, respectively.

DNA is the primary vehicle for genetic information within cells. RNA, on the other hand, has various roles, and its presence is vital for life as we know it.

The ribose in RNA forms the sugar-phosphate “backbone” of the molecule, linking together nucleobases that carry genetic information.

“All five nucleobases that constitute DNA and RNA, along with phosphate, have already been identified in the Bennu samples brought back by OSIRIS-REx,” Dr. Furukawa noted.

“The recent discovery of ribose confirms that all elements required to form RNA molecules are present in Bennu.”

“Finding ribose in an asteroid sample is not unexpected.”

“Ribose has previously been found in two meteorites on Earth.”

“What’s significant about the Bennu sample is that researchers did not identify any deoxyribose.”

“If Bennu is indicative of conditions, it suggests that ribose may have been more abundant than deoxyribose in the early solar system environment.”

The researchers theorize that the detected ribose, along with the absence of deoxyribose, bolsters the RNA world hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that the first forms of life relied on RNA as the main molecule for storing information and facilitating the chemical reactions crucial for survival.

“Modern life relies on a complex system organized primarily by three types of functional biopolymers: DNA, RNA, and proteins,” Dr. Furukawa elaborated.

“However, early forms of life may have been simpler. RNA not only stores genetic information but can also catalyze numerous biological reactions, making it a strong candidate for the earliest functional biomacromolecule.”

“Bennu’s samples also contain glucose, a fundamental energy source for life on Earth, providing the first evidence that an essential energy source was present in the early solar system as well.”

a paper detailing these findings was published in this week’s edition of Nature Earth Science.

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Yuya Furukawa et al. Bioessential sugars found in samples from the asteroid Bennu. Nature Earth Science published online on December 2, 2025. doi: 10.1038/s41561-025-01838-6

Source: www.sci.news

Apollo 17 Moon Samples Reveal Uncommon Sulfur, New Analysis Indicates

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The prevailing theory regarding the origin of the Moon suggests it formed from a colossal impact event involving Earth and a body known as Theia. The degree to which materials from these two celestial objects mixed during this event is still debated. Poor mixing may leave traces of the original atomic and/or Theia composition. The sulfur isotopic makeup of the primordial materials that survived the impact can help establish parameters concerning the chemistry of the early solar nebula, the sulfur distribution in the early solar system, and the efficiency of mixing during this significant lunar impact event. In a recent study, researchers from Brown University and other institutions present intriguing sulfur isotope data derived from lunar rocks collected from the Taurus Littrow region during Apollo 17. Their analysis reveals that the volcanic material in the samples is significantly depleted in sulfur-33. This depletion sharply contrasts with sulfur isotope ratios found on Earth, suggesting the likelihood of:

Commander Eugene Cernan retrieves a drive tube from a lunar roving vehicle during Apollo 17 EVA. Image credit: NASA.

Some elements possess distinct “fingerprints” through specific isotopic ratios, revealing slight variations in atomic weights.

If two rocks share the same isotopic fingerprint, it strongly indicates a common origin.

In terms of the Moon and Earth, researchers have identified general similarities in the oxygen isotopes of both bodies.

Dr. James Dottin, a researcher from Brown University, stated:

“Previously, it was assumed that the Moon’s mantle shared the same sulfur isotope composition as Earth.”

“This was the anticipated outcome when we examined these samples, yet we observed values markedly different from those found on Earth.”

The sample under investigation was sourced from a double-drive tube—a hollow metal cylinder driven approximately 60 cm into the lunar soil by Apollo 17 astronauts Gene Cernan and Harrison Schmidt.

Upon returning to Earth, NASA secured the tube in a helium chamber to preserve the sample for future studies under the Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program.

In recent years, NASA has begun to make ANGSA samples accessible to academic researchers via a competitive application process.

Dr. Dottin and his team chose secondary ion mass spectrometry for sulfur isotopic analysis. This precise analytical method did not exist in 1972 when the samples were initially returned to Earth.

For their research, they targeted specific samples from drive tubes believed to originate from mantle-derived volcanic rocks.

“There are two possible explanations for the anomalous sulfur,” Dr. Dottin explained.

They may represent remnants of chemical processes that took place during the Moon’s early history.

When sulfur interacts with ultraviolet light in a thin atmosphere, a diminished sulfur-33 ratio can be observed.

It is theorized that the Moon had a transient atmosphere in its early history, which could have facilitated such photochemical reactions.

If this is indeed the case, it would have interesting implications for the Moon’s evolutionary history.

“This offers evidence of ancient material transfer from the lunar surface into the mantle,” Dr. Dottin said.

“On Earth, we rely on plate tectonics for this process, but the Moon lacks such tectonic activity.”

“Thus, the idea of some form of exchange mechanism on the early Moon is thrilling.”

Alternatively, the unusual sulfur signatures could be remnants from the Moon’s formation itself.

The prevailing theory states that a Mars-sized object named Theia collided with Earth early on, with debris from that impact eventually forming the Moon.

The sulfur signatures from Theia differ significantly from those of Earth, and these differences may be reflected in the Moon’s mantle.

This study does not definitively resolve which explanation is accurate.

“Investigating sulfur isotopes from Mars and other celestial bodies may someday provide insights,” Dr. Dottin remarked.

“Ultimately, a better understanding of isotopic distributions will enhance our comprehension of solar system formation.”

study Published in Journal of Geophysics: Planets.

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JW Dottin III et al. 2025. Endogenous yet exotic sulfur in the lunar mantle. JGR: Planet 130(9):e2024je008834; doi:10.1029/2024je008834

Source: www.sci.news

Los Angeles Sheriff to Re-Test 4,000 DNA Samples Following Possible Errors

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Around 4,000 DNA samples have been retested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after the discovery of several test kits used last year. Officials have noted a potential pattern of “intermittently low performance” in early 2025.

The department received a warning from the test kit manufacturer on August 28 last year, but the notice was mistakenly directed to an individual not employed by the department, causing a significant delay in addressing the issue.

It was recently revealed that the affected kits were in use for approximately eight months from July 2024 to February 2025. As a response, the department has initiated an internal investigation and reinforced existing policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of scientific results.

The Sheriff’s Department emphasized that faulty test kits should not lead to wrongful identifications of innocent individuals. Despite the possibility of incomplete or suboptimal results from the affected kits, it is unlikely that misidentifications have occurred.

Sheriff Robert G. Luna stated, “We take the integrity of our criminal investigations and the reliability of forensic testing very seriously. We are committed to addressing this issue thoroughly, ensuring transparency, and taking immediate corrective actions to protect the accuracy of ongoing and future cases.”

The LA County District Attorney’s Office is also reviewing the case to make informed decisions based on the facts and ensure the integrity of the criminal justice process.

“Building and maintaining confidence in the outcomes is crucial as we work towards rectifying any circumstances that require improvements and ensuring the integrity of individual cases.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Bacteria discovered in asteroid samples, originating from Earth

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Bacteria on a sample of asteroid Ryugu observed using an electron microscope

Matthew J. Genge et al. 2024

Rocks brought back to Earth from the asteroid Ryugu appear to be inhabited by microorganisms. But researchers say these microbes almost certainly came from Earth, not space. The contamination is a wake-up call for future sample-return missions, such as NASA’s Mars rover Perseverance, to search for extraterrestrial life.

In 2020, the Japanese space probe Hayabusa2 returned to Earth carrying 5.4 grams of rock collected from the 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid Ryugu. After landing in Australia, the sample capsule was transported to a custom-built facility in Sagamihara, Japan. There, the capsule itself was first opened in a vacuum chamber inside a clean room and then moved to a room filled with pressurized nitrogen for long-term storage. From there, a portion of the sample can be placed in a container filled with nitrogen and sent to researchers.

One of these samples was sent to the UK for research. Matthew Genge Imperial College London and colleagues. Genge and his team initially scanned the samples using X-rays, but found no evidence of bacteria.

Samples from asteroid Ryugu collected by Hayabusa2

JAXA

After 3 weeks, the samples were transferred to resin and further examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after another week. When Genge and his colleagues first looked at the sample and saw what appeared to be thread-like bacteria, his students “almost fell off their chairs” at the prospect of discovering extraterrestrial life. . “It was an exciting moment, but we also had in the back of our minds from previous research that bacteria tend to colonize rocks,” Genge said.

By tracking bacterial growth with follow-up SEM measurements, they found that bacterial populations varied in a manner similar to known microorganisms. Their familiar shape, combined with their absence in the first X-ray scan, makes it very likely that they were terrestrial in origin, Genge says.

He believes the samples may have become contaminated after being embedded in the resin. The experiment was conducted at a facility on Earth that also handles space rocks. Rock specimens often contain bacteria that are adapted to live within them. “All it takes is one bacterium or one bacterial spore for this to happen,” he says. “For example, when we’re preparing meteorite samples, we don’t usually see this kind of colonization happening, and that’s because the probability of it happening is so low. In this case , one bacterium fell onto the sample and started multiplying.”

But Genge added that this should serve as a warning for future sample return missions. “Finding microbes in samples returned from space should be the gold standard for discovering extraterrestrial life. If we were to do that, we would fly to Mars, collect samples, and bring them back. “If we found microorganisms in it, we would say that was the clincher,” Genge says. “But our findings really show that we have to be very careful in interpreting the samples because they are susceptible to contamination with terrestrial bacteria.”

Javier Martin Torres Researchers at the University of Aberdeen in the UK agree that changes in the microbial filament population suggest a terrestrial origin, but this does not exclude the possibility that they came from elsewhere. . “If you want to be sure that these microorganisms are not of extraterrestrial origin, you need to do DNA sequencing,” he says.

Scientists already knew that bacteria could survive very well in meteorite samples that fell to Earth, but this raises the possibility that bacteria could also survive on materials elsewhere in the solar system. It only strengthens it. “The microorganisms can use organic matter within the meteorite to sustain themselves. They’re feeding on an extraterrestrial snack,” Genge says. “So there may be an ecosystem on Mars. It’s a fairly sparse ecosystem, but it’s an ecosystem that’s supported by manna from the sky and by meteorites that fall on the surface.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Researchers uncover natural graphene flakes in lunar soil samples

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Planetary scientists have identified layers of graphene formed alongside complex minerals in lunar regolith samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 probe, a discovery that provides new insight into the origins of the Moon and supports the hypothesis that it contains carbon.

Structural and compositional characteristics of few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples from Chang'e-5. Image courtesy of Zhang others., doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae211.

“Graphene's novel physical phenomena and extraordinary properties have revolutionized research in condensed matter physics and materials science,” said Professor Zhang Wei of Jilin University and his colleagues.

“It plays an increasingly important role in a wide range of fields, including planetary and space sciences.”

“It is estimated that about 1.9% of all interstellar carbon exists in the form of graphene, and protosolar graphene has been identified in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites.”

The researchers analyzed an olive-shaped lunar soil sample measuring about 2.9 millimeters by 1.6 millimeters, collected by the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.

Using a specialised spectrometer, they discovered iron compounds in the carbon-rich parts of the sample that are closely related to the formation of graphene.

The researchers then used advanced microscopy and mapping techniques to determine that the carbon content within their samples was made up of “flakes” of two to seven layers of graphene.

The scientists propose that few layers of graphene could have formed during volcanic activity in the Moon's early existence, catalysed by solar wind stirring up the lunar soil and iron-containing minerals, prompting a change in the structure of carbon atoms.

Meteorite impacts creating high temperature and pressure environments may also have led to the formation of graphene.

“The first study to confirm the presence of native few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples by examining its microstructure and composition,” the authors said.

“Our discovery provides new insight into the origin of the Moon and supports the hypothesis that the Moon contains carbon.”

“Moreover, graphene's unusual properties depend strongly on its structure and environment.”

“Further investigation of the properties of natural graphene could provide more information about the geological evolution of the Moon.”

“Consequently, the formation of natural graphene by mineral catalysis sheds light on the development of low-cost, scalable synthesis techniques for high-quality graphene.”

“This will therefore propel a new lunar exploration program forward, with some exciting breakthroughs in the future.”

of Investigation result Published in the journal National Science Review.

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Zhang Wei othersNatural few-layer graphene discovered on the moon. National Science ReviewPublished online June 17, 2024; doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae211

Source: www.sci.news

Lunar samples shed light on the formation of the Moon’s largest crater

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Lunar samples collected by NASA's Apollo missions continue to enable new discoveries.

NASA/ESA

The Moon's largest crater is thought to have formed 4.338 billion years ago when a huge rock struck the lunar surface, leaving behind a swirling pool of magma, suggesting that Earth was experiencing extreme cosmic upheaval at the same time.

Chemical analysis of tiny zircon crystals found in lunar samples revealed that many of them solidified from magma about 4.3 billion years ago, but without measuring whether they all formed at precisely the same time, there was no way to know for sure whether many small impacts or one giant one melted the lunar crust into magma.

Melanie Balboni Balboni and her colleagues at Arizona State University solved this problem by measuring with extreme precision the ages of 10 zircon crystals that were brought back to Earth as part of NASA's Apollo missions. “To do this kind of dating, you have to melt the zircon,” Balboni says. “The lunar material is so precious, and there are so few reliable labs in the world that can do that, so no one has dared to do it. When I first did it, I was so scared.”

The researchers found that the crystals all formed at the same time, 4.338 billion years ago, which indicates that they likely formed in one giant impact. The same impact that created these crystals probably also formed the South Pole-Aitken Basin, the largest crater on the Moon, unless that impact crater was subsequently obscured by shifting sand or other impactors, Balboni says.

Not only is this a pivotal event in the history of the Moon, but it also tells us something about the space environment on Earth at that time. “The Moon is a very small object compared to Earth, so it was very likely that something very big struck Earth at that time,” Balboni said. “That big rock could have left behind cosmic gifts, like water, that might have helped the birth of life.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Autism could soon be identifiable through stool samples – the breakthrough explained

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New Research has introduced an innovative and cost-effective method for diagnosing autism, potentially simplifying and speeding up the diagnostic process. Surprisingly, the new diagnostic test might involve analyzing stool samples rather than brain scans or psychiatric evaluations. Researchers have discovered consistent differences in the gut microbiome – the population of microorganisms in the intestine – between individuals with autism and those without.

Regularly collecting and analyzing stool samples could potentially enable doctors to identify autism at an earlier stage than current methods allow. This new approach is especially important given the diverse range of symptoms associated with autism, making diagnosis challenging.

“There is a pressing need to delay the diagnosis of autism in children, as the symptoms can vary widely,” according to the co-authors of the study. Professor Shu Qian Ng told BBC Science Focus.

Autism is a common condition, affecting approximately 1 in 100 individuals worldwide. While genetics is thought to play a significant role in autism, other factors such as birth complications, exposure to air pollution, and gender differences may also contribute.

Diagnosing autism currently relies on subjective behavioral assessments and developmental screenings, which can be time-consuming and depend on the availability of trained professionals. The average age of diagnosis in the United States is around 5 years old, resulting in delays in essential care and support for children with autism during crucial developmental stages.

The study, published in Nature Microbiology, analyzed stool samples from 1,627 children between 1 and 13 years of age, some of whom had autism. The researchers identified significant differences in gut bacteria between children with autism and those without, resulting in the identification of specific biomarkers for autism.

Utilizing machine learning algorithms, scientists could determine autism in children with up to 82% accuracy based on the biological function of several microorganisms in the digestive system. This innovative approach offers hope for a non-invasive and efficient diagnostic test for autism, expected to be available by the end of the year.

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How is the gut microbiome linked to autism?

Dr. Ng explains two primary differences in the gut microbiome of individuals with autism compared to neurotypical individuals. Firstly, individuals with autism tend to have reduced diversity in their gut microbiome, with fewer types of bacteria and viruses. Secondly, children with autism often have an abundance of pathogens in their gut, potentially contributing to their condition.

The ongoing research aims to determine whether interventions such as dietary modifications or probiotics can help improve gut diversity and health, potentially influencing autism symptoms. Early indications suggest that adjusting the microbiome can lead to symptom improvements in children with autism.

While promising, the research does not establish causation between gut biomarkers and autism. Clinical trials are underway to explore the potential of using stool samples as a diagnostic tool for autism in young children.

The study participants were predominantly Chinese, highlighting the need for further global studies to enhance diagnostic accuracy across diverse populations. Despite potential dietary influences, preliminary findings suggest consistent diagnostic performance regardless of dietary habits.

About our experts

Dr. Shu N, a Professor and Associate Dean at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, specializes in investigating the potential of gut microbiota for diagnosing and treating various diseases, including autism. Her research focuses on using microbial markers to predict disease risks and develop personalized interventions for improving health outcomes.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

The Chang’e-6 probe from China successfully returns with the first samples of rocks from the far side of the moon

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The Chang’e-6 probe is recovered in Xiziwang Banner, Inner Mongolia, China.

Xinhua/Shutterstock

China’s Chang’e-6 spacecraft has returned to Earth, bringing back the first chunk of space rock from the far side of the moon.

The capsule separated from the orbital container at around 1:20 p.m. local time, 5,000 kilometers above the Atlantic Ocean, and landed in Xiziwang Banner, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China on June 25.

The sample, which should contain about 2 kilograms of lunar material, descended the final 10 kilometres by parachute, landing at 2:07pm and being retrieved by scientists from the China National Space Administration.

Landing on the far side of the moon is difficult because it always faces away from Earth and there is no direct communication line, and this area’s surface remained unexplored until a Chinese spacecraft landed there earlier this month.

The landing and recovery operations relied heavily on autonomous processes and robotic tools, but Chinese engineers were able to send messages to the spacecraft through the Queqiao-2 relay satellite, which was launched in March this year and is still orbiting the moon.

The samples include surface and two meters of material scooped up by Chang’e-6 drilling into its landing site in Apollo Crater, which is within the larger South Pole-Aitken Basin. Scientists hope that this material will help explain how and when these basins formed, and may enable understanding of the origins of other similar lunar craters.

The rocks may indicate the amount of water ice in the region, which could be a key resource for a manned mission that China hopes to send to the moon by 2030.

Before embarking on its crewed mission, China plans to send two more spacecraft, Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8, to the lunar south pole to gather information on a potential site for a base to be called the International Lunar Research Station. China is leading the mission in collaboration with Russian space agency Roscosmos.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists find colossal virus in Greenland ice samples

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Giant viruses were first discovered in the ocean in 1981, when researchers discovered them. These viruses were specialized to infect green algae in the sea. Giant viruses were later found in soil on land and even in humans. However, this is the first time that giant viruses have been found living on the surface of ice or snow, where snow algae dominate. In Greenland, these viruses probably control the growth of snow algae by infecting them on the ice.

Giant virus species Pandoravirus Salinus Image courtesy of IGS CNRS-AMU.

“Every spring in the Arctic, the sun rises after months of darkness and life returns,” said Aarhus University researcher Laura Perini and her colleagues.

“Polar bears emerge from their winter dens, arctic terns return from their long journey south, and musk oxen trek north.”

“But animals aren’t the only life awakened by the spring sun. Algae that were dormant on the ice begin to flourish in the spring, turning large areas of the ice black.”

“As the ice darkens, it loses its ability to reflect sunlight, which accelerates its melting. More melting exacerbates global warming.”

“But we may have found a way to control the growth of snow algae, and in the long term, we may be able to reduce some of the ice melt.”

In the new study, the authors found signatures of giant viruses in snow and ice samples from the Greenland Ice Sheet.

The researchers believe that these viruses feed on snow algae and may act as a natural control mechanism against algal blooms.

“Although we still do not know much about viruses, we suspect they may be useful as a means to mitigate ice melt caused by algal blooms,” the researchers said.

“We don’t yet know how specific it will be and how efficient it will be, but we’re hopeful that further investigation will help answer some of those questions.”

“We analyzed samples of black ice, red snow, and melted pits (cryoconite),” they explained.

“We found traces of an active giant virus in both the dark ice and the red snow.”

“And this is the first time they’ve been found on ice or snow surfaces that are rich in pigmented microalgae.”

“The ecosystem surrounding the algae includes bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, as well as protozoans that eat the algae, various fungi that parasitize the algae, and giant viruses that infect the algae.”

“These last three groups need to be studied to understand the biological controls that act on algal blooms.”

“We can’t pinpoint which hosts the giant viruses will infect. Some of the viruses may infect protists, others may attack snow algae. We don’t know for sure yet,” Dr Perini said.

“We are continuing our research to learn more about giant virus interactions and their role in the ecosystem.”

Team paper Published in the journal Microbiome.

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L. Perini other2024. Traces of a giant virus are found on the Greenland ice sheet. Microbiome 12, 91; doi: 10.1186/s40168-024-01796-y

Source: www.sci.news