Science

A new study indicates that Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens interbred over a broad area spanning most of Europe, the eastern Mediterranean, and western Asia. Researchers analyzed ancient genetic samples to map this hybrid zone, challenging earlier assumptions of a more localized interaction. The findings suggest repeated encounters as humans expanded from Africa.

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The four astronauts assigned to NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission have started a two-week quarantine at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to safeguard their health before launch. The crew, comprising members from NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos, is preparing for a flight to the International Space Station scheduled no earlier than February 11. This mission highlights ongoing international collaboration in space exploration.

Astronomers have identified what appears to be a massive cloud of dark matter roughly 3,000 light years from our solar system. Using pulsar observations, a team led by Sukanya Chakrabarti detected gravitational effects suggesting an object 60 million times the sun's mass. This could be the first such sub-halo found in the Milky Way.

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Researchers in Israel have used CRISPR gene editing to deactivate a gene that produces bitter chemicals in grapefruit, potentially making the fruit more appealing to consumers. This innovation could expand the market for citrus and combat the devastating citrus greening disease by enabling cold-hardy, edible varieties. The approach aims to shift citrus farming to temperate regions like northern Europe.

Researchers have experimentally observed a hidden quantum geometry in materials that steers electrons similarly to how gravity bends light. The discovery, made at the interface of two oxide materials, could advance quantum electronics and superconductivity. Published in Science, the findings highlight a long-theorized effect now confirmed in reality.

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Juliette Bryant, a South African survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's sex-trafficking network, shares fragmented memories of abuse and control at his Zorro Ranch in New Mexico. The estate served as both a site of isolation for victims and a gathering place for elites. New Mexico senators are now pushing for a state truth commission to uncover the full extent of activities there.