AI can influence voters' minds. What does that mean for democracy?

Astronomers have discovered that the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is carrying methanol and other chemicals that are believed to have played a crucial role in the origin of life. This finding highlights the potential for organic compounds to exist beyond our solar system, suggesting that the building blocks of life may be more widespread in the universe than previously thought.

Recent studies indicate that tattooing may lead to localized damage to the immune system, potentially causing prolonged inflammation. This finding highlights a gap in the understanding of the long-term health effects associated with tattooing, an art form that has gained popularity worldwide.

A recent examination of traditional hunter-gatherer societies reveals that they are less egalitarian than commonly believed, challenging the notion that altruism and equality are the primary drivers of social behavior in these groups. This finding suggests a more complex social structure within these communities than previously understood.

New research indicates that AI chatbots have the capacity to influence voters' decisions, raising significant concerns about the implications for future elections. This finding highlights the potential for AI technologies to alter public opinion and the democratic process itself.

Recent studies indicate that a volcanic eruption may have disrupted climate patterns in the 1340s, leading to crop failures in Italy. This situation prompted officials to import grain from eastern Europe, potentially introducing the plague bacterium that caused the Black Death in Europe.

Nearly three decades after the successful cloning of Dolly the sheep, discussions surrounding human cloning have largely diminished. Michael Le Page explores the current state of cloning technology and its implications for humanity, particularly among the wealthy who may have the resources to pursue such advancements.

A stunning close-up image of spider silk has been awarded a prize in the Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition 2025, which also showcased remarkable images of dueling prairie chickens, a snake-mimicking moth, and a rare sunrise at the South Pole.

Researchers have developed an experimental vaccine that successfully prevents life-threatening allergic reactions, specifically anaphylaxis, in mice for up to a year by blocking a molecule that triggers an overactive immune response.