The space between stars just got a little sweeter. Astronomers have detected a type of sugar in space that’s also found in raspberries and self-tanners. The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what’s called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars. Sugar does more than sweeten tea and powder doughnuts. Different … Read more
Malaysian scientists have discovered a new species of parasitic fungus that preys on “zombie fungus” known to infect insects before subjecting them to a gruesome death. The new species was found in the jungles on Malaysia’s part of Borneo, a large island known for its biodiverse rainforests. Samples were collected during multiple field trips conducted … Read more
Colombia, with its varied geography, has about 2,000 species of birds — more than any other country in the world. All those species of birds have become an important part of a growing ecotourism industry. It brings in millions of dollars to Colombia’s economy, and bird watchers — birders, as they’re known — are flocking … Read more
In 15th-century France, the medieval town of Grasse had a problem. It reeked of dead animals from its booming leather trade. Then came a clever idea to mask the stench: a pair of gloves infused with the scent of local flowers. It sparked a new industry. Flowers were planted; techniques invented. And what began as … Read more
Children at a primary school in eastern France found a strange new attraction next to their playground this week: a skeleton sitting upright, peeking out the top of a circular pit. It is just the latest in a series of bodies discovered in the city of Dijon that were mysteriously buried in a seated position … Read more
Warner Bros. Discovery said on Tuesday that Paramount Skydance had raised its bid to acquire the entertainment and media company to $31 per share. The revised offer raises the heat on streaming giant Netflix, which in December agreed to buy Warner Bros. Discovery deal for $27.75 per share, or $82.7 billion, to match Paramount Skydance’s bid or … Read more