Discoveries

Hey there, science enthusiasts!

Have you ever wondered if that glass of wine with dinner is healthy? A new study is throwing cold water on the idea that the occasional drink is good for your health.

For years, we've heard that moderate drinking might have some benefits, especially for heart health. But this recent research suggests that the risks, like those associated with alcohol-related health problems, might be greater than any supposed benefits.

It's a reminder to rethink how much weight we give to claims that light drinking is part of a healthy lifestyle. Learn what the latest studies reveal about moderate drinking and health.

But before diving into that, today we’ll look at the secrets of interstellar visitors and what Professor Chris Lintott and his team are uncovering about our galaxy “neighborhood”. Are we on the brink of some groundbreaking revelations?

Also, find out how your body shape could be putting you at a higher risk of colorectal cancer, why great white sharks might be more adaptable than we thought, and discover how everyday items could be exposing you to toxic chemicals.

Lastly, don’t miss out on the underwater footage of a marine biologist seemingly communicating with an octopus.

Until then, stay curious🧪

Sonal Nain, newsletter producer

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Exploring space

Oxford Physicist Wants Your Help On 'Really Exciting' Interstellar Visitors

Have you ever wondered where we came from? Not just our species, but the entire solar system? The truth is, we don't really know. But by learning about our distant neighbors, scientists hope we can find out. Oxford University Astrophysicist Professor Chris Lintott studies these galactic guests, known scientifically as interstellar objects. Only two such objects have been discovered to date—the mysterious, cigar-shaped 'Oumuamua in 2017 and the comet Borisov in 2019. But there are likely millions of these things floating around our galaxy. Here's why astrophysicists like Lintott study these objects. Read more to find out. Speaking of the wonders of space, here are some other stories with a celestial bent:

LAB NOTES

Top science news across disciplines

Research: Your body shape could be putting you at a higher risk of colorectal cancer, scientists have warned. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society, with roughly 150,000 new cases projected for 2024. Click to learn more.
Environment watch: Toxic chemicals designed to prevent household objects from catching fire can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin. Could your everyday items be exposing you to toxic chemicals? Read to uncover the hidden dangers of microplastics.
Archaeology: Researchers have unearthed a set of "truly significant" Stone Age artifacts during an excavation being conducted ahead of planned road improvement in northern England, researchers told Newsweek. See what they found.
Chemistry: A bizarre "Rule of Four" has been identified in the basic structure of the majority of inorganic materials—and scientists are stumped as to why. Dive deeper into the mystery behind this crystal structure.
Marine life: Underwater footage shows a marine biologist seemingly communicating with an octopus as she hunts for crabs. The images, which were shot in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of northeastern Australia, come from an upcoming National Geographic documentary series "Secrets of the Octopus". Watch the clip. — compiled by Sonal Nain, newsletter producer

RARE FINDS

Exploring chemistry

Past 'That Seemed Lost Forever' Revealed As 200-Year-Old Photos Revived

Researchers have developed a technique for revealing hidden details in badly tarnished old photos—bringing to light 19th-century images that seemed "lost forever." In a study published in the Journal of Cultural Heritage, a team led by chemistry professor Tsun-Kong (T.K.) Sham with Western University in London, Ontario, Canada, demonstrated the effectiveness of their novel imaging technique at retrieving images from corroded daguerreotypes—an early form of photography. Here’s how the ancient photos were brought back to life.