We are going to study new science breakthroughs that are changing this world. From the first cloned dire wolves using ancient DNA to laughing gas treating depression, discoveries are reshaping medicine and biology. Women’s superior hearing, injectable pacemakers, and marathoners’ adaptive brains highlight human resilience. Meanwhile, SpaceX captured orbital X-rays, and doctors warn of ‘reel-induced eye damage’ from excessive screen time. The future is here.
Key points.
Women hear better than men. Global study reveals sex differences in cochlear sensitivity.
A fascinating international study led by Dr. Patricia Balaresque has uncovered that when it comes to cochlear sensitivity in humans, sex plays a bigger role than age. Interestingly, women demonstrated an average sensitivity that was two decibels higher than men, based on a sample of 450 individuals from 13 different countries.
The research utilized Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAE) tests and highlighted that environmental factors, such as altitude and the type of habitat, also have a significant impact on hearing. For instance, those living in forested areas exhibited the sharpest hearing, while individuals in high-altitude regions showed the least sensitivity. In hearing tests, women consistently outperformed men, with some showing up to six kilohertz greater sensitivity. The researchers propose that this difference might be linked to hormonal exposure during fetal development or even subtle anatomical variations in the cochlea.
Scientists successfully clone first dire wolf pups using ancient DNA and gene-editing.
Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences has just made a groundbreaking announcement that they have successfully welcomed three dire wolf pups into the world. These little ones were brought to life using a mix of ancient DNA, gene-editing, and cloning technologies, marking a historic milestone as the first successful animal de-extinction ever.
By tapping into fossils that are over 13,000 years old, scientists made 20 precise genetic edits to gray wolf DNA, allowing them to recreate features like thick fur and strong jaws, resulting in a hybrid that closely resembles the long-gone predator. The pups, who were born between October 2024 and January 2025, are currently being watched over on a secure 2,000-acre site. Colossal is not stopping here; they have ambitious plans to bring back other extinct species, including the mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger.
Laughing gas offers rapid antidepressant effects by targeting specific brain cells, study finds.
A recent study from the University of Pennsylvania has found that nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, might offer quick relief for those battling treatment-resistant depression. Instead of just calming the brain, it seems to activate certain brain cells.
Researchers found that this gas triggers layer 5 neurons in the cingulate cortex by blocking SK2 potassium channels, which resulted in immediate behavioral improvements in mice. Human trials have also indicated similarly rapid effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants that can take weeks to kick in, nitrous oxide appears to work almost instantly. However, it’s important to note that it should only be administered by trained professionals and isn’t something you can use on your own.
Doctors warn of ‘Reel-Induced Eye Damage’ from excessive short-form video consumption.
Leading ophthalmologists at the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology have raised some serious red flags about a growing health concern known as ‘reel-induced eye damage.’ They believe this issue is linked to the excessive consumption of short-form video content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Doctors have noticed a significant rise in eye-related problems, such as dry eye syndrome, worsening myopia, and digital eye strain, especially among children and young adults. They point to reduced blink rates and extended periods of focusing on screens as major factors contributing to these issues. Experts are sounding the alarm that if we don’t address this quietly growing epidemic, it could lead to long-term vision problems and even social disconnection. They’re encouraging everyone to take preventive measures, like following the 20-20-20 rule, blinking more often, and taking regular breaks from screens.
Marathon running may trigger the brain to break down its own myelin for energy.
A recent study published in Nature Metabolism has uncovered some intriguing insights about marathon running and its effects on the brain. It turns out that during those grueling miles, the brain might actually start using up some of its own fatty insulation—known as myelin—to make up for the energy it loses. Brain scans of 10 runners revealed a decrease in myelin-related signals in as many as 12 different areas just two days after the marathon.
The researchers found that these regions were mainly linked to motor functions and emotional regulation, highlighting just how demanding endurance running can be, both physically and mentally. The good news? These changes aren’t permanent; myelin levels typically bounce back to normal within about two months. Experts pointed out that while this research sheds light on how the brain manages extreme energy shortages, we still need more in-depth studies to grasp the long-term effects, particularly for those who might already have neurological issues like ALS.
World’s smallest pacemaker can be injected via syringe, dissolves when no longer needed.
Scientists at Northwestern University have created the tiniest pacemaker in the world, measuring just 1.8mm x 3.5mm x 1mm small enough to be injected with a syringe! Unlike the traditional models, this innovative pacemaker is wireless, dissolvable, and gets its power from biofluids through a galvanic cell, which means no more risky surgeries for insertion or removal. It’s particularly beneficial for newborns with congenital heart defects, offering temporary pacing support while their hearts recover after surgery. The device pairs with a wearable chest patch that monitors slow heart rates and sends out infrared light pulses to keep the heart beating steadily.
SpaceX mission recreates first-ever orbital X-ray, honoring Röntgen’s 1895 discovery.
In a remarkable tribute to Wilhelm Röntgen’s groundbreaking discovery from 1895, SpaceX’s private Fram2 mission has successfully recreated the very first X-ray image, but this time, it was taken in orbit! During a three-and-a-half-day flight aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, the team captured a hand X-ray. This mission, funded by Maltese crypto billionaire Chun Wang and launched on March 31, also made history as the first human spaceflight to take place in polar orbit.
It featured an impressive lineup of 22 research experiments, ranging from mushroom cultivation to brain EEG mapping and glucose monitoring. But the Fram2 astronauts didn’t stop at just medical imaging; they also conducted diagnostic scans of the pelvis, abdomen, and even some electronics. They wrapped up their adventure by safely splashing down off the coast of California on April 4.
These new science breakthroughs and researches were really amazing.