Science

Because different polymers have different qualities, multiple types will often be layered together in products such as food packaging. And while such multilayer plastics are currently non-recyclable, a new technique may change that.

While we have already heard about contact lenses that monitor medical conditions, such lenses are often made from non-traditional materials. A new one, however, is composed of the same hydrogel as regular store-bought contacts.

With the world continuing to warm and sea levels continuing to rise, NASA and the ESA are eyeing the next decade of climate change and its consequences, launching a new satellite to observe the ocean in greater detail from orbit.

Mars may be incredibly dry and dusty today, but evidence is piling up that it was once a watery world. Now the Curiosity rover has found signs of an ancient flood of biblical proportions, most likely kicked off by a climate-changing asteroid impact.

Getting CRISPR into cells can be challenging. Now Australian researchers have packaged the tool inside porous materials called metal organic frameworks (MOFs) coated in a green tea compound, and used it to silence key genes in prostate cancer cells.

A research team has discovered a fossil galaxy within the Milky Way. Using infrared data from thousands of stars, the scientists conclude that the galaxy, called Heracles, collided and merged with the Milky Way 10 billion years ago.

Scientists are gaining a clearer picture of how far-reaching plastic pollution might be. The latest discovery in this area comes from high altitude, with researchers uncovering evidence of microplastics just below the summit of Mt Everest.

After an almost complete absence for 50 years, blue whales are returning to the waters surrounding South Georgia island in the south Atlantic. A study has collected 58 sightings of the giant cetaceans as well as acoustic soundings of their presence.

Northrop Grumman has announced that its Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) module has passed its preliminary design review. Part of NASA's Gateway deep space outpost, it will act as a way station for future missions to the Moon and beyond.

The Arecibo Observatory's famous 1,000-ft (305-m) radio telescope is to be demolished after a second support cable failed. An assessment has determined that the radio dish and its 900-ton instrument platform are too unstable to be safely repaired.

One of the challenges in 3D printing biological tissue lies in the fact that the cells may die before oxygen-delivering blood vessels grow into the material. Harvard scientists are addressing that issue, by adding algae to the mix.

Although we've already heard about pressure-sensitive "skins" that could be applied to robotic appendages, scientists have created one for use on human fingers. And while you might wonder why they bothered, it actually has an interesting application.