Depression may start with an energy problem in brain cells

Researchers have discovered a surprising change in how cells produce energy in people with depression. Brain and blood cells in young adults with major depressive disorder produced more energy molecules at rest but had trouble increasing energy production when needed. Scientists believe this imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue and low motivation. The finding could help pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments.

Researchers may have identified a promising new approach to diagnosing and treating major depression at its earliest stage, potentially improving the chances of recovery for many patients.

Scientists at the University of Queensland partnered with researchers from the University of Minnesota to examine levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) - known as the "energy currency" molecule - in the brains and blood cells of young people with depression.

Associate Professor Susannah Tye from…

Tapping into the million-year energy source below our feet

MIT spinout Quaise Energy is working to create geothermal wells made from the deepest holes in the world.

There’s an abandoned coal power plant in upstate New York that most people regard as a useless relic. But MIT’s Paul Woskov sees things differently.

Woskov, a research engineer in MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, notes the plant’s power turbine is still intact and the transmission lines still run to the grid. Using an approach he’s been working on for the last 14 years, he’s hoping it will be back online, completely carbon-free, within the decade.

In fact, Quaise Energy, the company commercializing Woskov’s work, believes if it can retrofit one power plant, the same process will work on virtually every coal and gas power plant in the world.

Can solar storms trigger earthquakes? Scientists propose surprising link

Scientists have proposed a surprising connection between solar flares and earthquakes. When solar activity disturbs the ionosphere, it may generate electric fields that penetrate fragile fracture zones in Earth’s crust. If a fault is already critically stressed, this extra electrostatic pressure could help trigger a quake. The idea doesn’t claim direct causation, but it offers a fresh way to think about how space weather and seismic events might interact.

Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a theoretical model examining whether disturbances in the ionosphere could apply electrostatic forces deep within the Earth's crust. Under certain conditions, these forces might contribute to the start of large earthquakes.

The research is not designed to forecast earthquakes. Instead, it outlines a possible physical mechanism showing how shifts in ionospheric charge levels -- triggered by intense solar activity such as solar flares -- might interact…

Over-Reliance on AI May Harm Your Cognitive Ability, Experts Warn

With so many artificial intelligence (AI) products on offer now, it's increasingly tempting to offload difficult thinking tasks to chatbots, agents, and other tools.

As we chart this new technological terrain, more and more we're exposed to vast amounts of information and highly sophisticated software that offers to do the thinking for us.

In just a few seconds, tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini can draft your emails, generate a caring birthday message for a friend, or even summarise the plot of that novel you haven't gotten around to reading.

Such increased offloading has raised the fear that people will become overly reliant on AI. This could have unintended consequences, such as eroding our critical thinking skills and declining our overall cognitive ability.

Why Finland’s Education System Is Considered the Best in the World

When people talk about the world’s best education system, one country almost always comes up — Finland. Despite having a small population, Finland consistently ranks high in global education comparisons and is admired by educators worldwide.

But what makes the Finland education system so special?

Let’s explore why it is often considered the best in the world.

1. Equality Over Competition

Our lifespans may be half down to genes and half to the environment

A reanalysis of twin data from Denmark and Sweden suggests that how long we live now depends roughly equally on the genes we inherit, and on where we live and what we do

In wealthy, relatively safe countries, how long people live now probably depends just as much on the genetic variants they inherit from their parents as on their environment and lifestyles. That’s the implication of a study reanalysing data from research in twins in Denmark and Sweden.

For people living in these nations, it may be no surprise that their lifespans are probably half down to their genes and half to their environment. But earlier studies of the twin data, performed decades ago, concluded that genes explained only a quarter of the variation in human lifespans.

“It shifts the balance a bit, saying, OK, there’s…

India’s Republic Day: A Celebration of Democracy and Duty 🇮🇳

India’s Republic Day, celebrated every year on 26 January, marks one of the most significant milestones in the nation’s history. On this day in 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, transforming the country from a constitutional dominion into a sovereign democratic republic. Republic Day is not merely a national holiday; it is a reminder of India’s collective resolve to govern itself by the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The importance of Republic Day lies in the Constitution of India, a living document drafted under the leadership of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and adopted after years of debate and deliberation. The Constitution provides the framework for governance, safeguards fundamental rights, and defines the duties of citizens. By adopting it, India affirmed that power would rest with its people, exercised through democratic institutions rather than inherited authority.

The…

Scientists reveal the everyday habits that may shield you from dementia

New studies reveal that lifestyle changes—such as exercise, healthy eating, and social engagement—can help slow or prevent cognitive decline. Experts say this low-cost, powerful approach could transform dementia care and reduce its crushing toll on families and health systems.

An estimated 7.2 million Americans over age 65 currently live with Alzheimer's disease (AD). That number is expected to nearly double to 13.8 million by 2060. These increases reflect more than demographic shifts; they point to a growing public health crisis that requires a new, proactive approach. While chronological age is the strongest known risk factor for cognitive decline, losing cognitive function is not an inevitable part of aging.

As AD and other forms of cognitive decline continue to rise at an alarming rate, researchers from Florida Atlantic University's Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, highlight a powerful and untapped…

Scientists found a way to help aging guts heal themselves

Researchers have discovered a way to help aging intestines heal themselves using CAR T-cell therapy. By targeting senescent cells that build up over time, the treatment boosted gut regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved nutrient absorption in mice. It even helped protect the intestine from radiation damage, with benefits lasting up to a year. Early results in human intestinal cells suggest the approach could one day improve gut health in older adults and cancer patients.

Many people notice that certain foods become harder to tolerate with age. One possible reason is damage to the intestinal epithelium, a thin, single layer of cells that lines the intestine. This lining is essential for digestion and overall gut health. In healthy conditions, the intestinal epithelium renews itself every three to five days. Aging or exposure to cancer radiation can disrupt this renewal process, slowing…