Discoveries

Good morning, Science Enthusiasts!

I’m back with some great news for all you nature lovers out there.

Spending time in nature has long been associated with improved mental and physical well-being, but the biochemistry behind this association has yet to be well understood.

Now, new research from Cornell University has found that spending time in nature may actually reduce levels of inflammation in the body.

Chronic inflammation has been linked to a whole host of diseases—from diabetes to depression—so finding ways to reduce it is essential for our mental and physical well-being.

Speaking of inflammation, scientists have found that a common anti-inflammatory painkiller may play a role in protecting us from certain types of cancer.

But first, we’ll look at a discovery that has shaken our understanding of one of the most magical marvels in biology.

We’ll be back on Friday, but until then, stay curious!🚀

Pandora Dewan is a Senior Science Reporter at Newsweek based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on science, health and technology. You can get in touch with Pandora by emailing [email protected], or on Instagram and X @PandoraDewan.

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Exploring marine biology

This Animal Was First to Emit Light—540 Million Years Ago

The phenomenon of bioluminescence first evolved in animals at least 540 million years ago, a new study has discovered. The first animals to ever glow in this way were marine invertebrates called octocorals, the study conducted by researchers at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History reported. Bioluminescence refers to the glow that some marine organisms can produce. Explore the science behind this phenomenon. Speaking of underwater marvels, here are some other stories that you might like:

LAB NOTES

Top science news across disciplines

Environment watch: Scientists have figured out a way to recycle important metals trapped inside discarded electronics. Using textiles, researchers have improved the efficiency with which we can extract gold from old devices. Will this new recycling technique help curb the growing problem of electronic waste? Find out here.
Archaeology: Researchers have discovered a set of human remains that they told Newsweek sheds light on the violent past of the Anglo-Scottish border region. In total,124 bone fragments and two loose teeth were recovered, representing a minimum of five individuals—two adults and three sub-adults. Here’s what the remains revealed.
Research: Scientists have discovered a connection between the development of Alzheimer's disease and the bacteria in the body's digestive system. Here’s how this could impact Alzheimer's treatment.
Space: NASA has revealed animations of the surface of Jupiter's third-largest moon Io. Io was discovered in 1610 by Galileo Galilei and is the most geologically active object in the solar system. Learn more about its dynamic landscape.
Nutrition: Neuroscientists have discovered links between brain activity and the choices we make about what we eat. Researchers at Queen's University at Kingston in Ontario, Canada, examined patterns of activity across the whole brain to identify neurological differences that affect our ability to make healthy dietary choices. Learn more about the study. — compiled by Sonal Nain, newsletter producer

RARE FINDS

Exploring archaeology

Remarkably Well-Preserved Ancient Glass Vessels Discovered in Roman Burials

Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkably well-preserved collection of ancient glassware from Roman-era tombs in the city of Nîmes, southern France. The colorful glass vases were unearthed during excavations conducted by the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research at a site in the heart of the city, along a street known as Rue de Beaucaire. What secrets could these ancient vases reveal about the Roman era? Find out here.