Face transplants promised hope. Patients were put through the unthinkable

Patrick Vallance, the UK minister for science, research and innovation, has announced a plan aimed at reducing animal testing by leveraging artificial intelligence and other technologies, with the ultimate goal of phasing it out entirely. This initiative involves insights from experts including science editor Ian Sample and professors from Queen Mary University London and the Institute of Cancer Research.

Researchers have found that becoming a famous singer significantly increases the risk of early death, with lead singers in bands faring better than solo artists. An analysis of singers from Europe and the US revealed that those who achieved fame died nearly five years earlier than their less-known counterparts, indicating that fame itself, rather than lifestyle or job demands, plays a crucial role in this trend.

A recent study claims to have provided the first direct evidence of dark matter, a mysterious substance that has been theorized to clump around galaxies and form a cosmic web throughout the universe. This research, led by astrophysicist Prof Tomonori Totani, suggests a significant advancement in understanding this elusive component of the cosmos.

Scientists have identified five major epochs of human brain development, revealing that the adult mode does not commence until the early 30s. This conclusion is based on a comprehensive study involving brain scans of nearly 4,000 individuals aged from infancy to 90 years, highlighting four pivotal turning points at ages nine, 32, 66, and 83.