Humanitys search for life on Mars has taken a significant step forward with the discovery of organic molecules that resemble key building blocks of life on Earth.Since landing in 2012, NASAs Curiosity rover has made multiple discoveries suggesting that Mars may have once had habitable conditions. Now, scientists have identified the longest organic molecules ever found on the Red Planet offering new insights into its potential to support life.A detailed report on these findings was recently published in PNAS by scientists from the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), in collaboration with researchers from the U.S., Mexico, and Spain.Goals of the Curiosity RoverAlthough originally planned as a two-year mission, Curiosity continues to investigate Mars climate and geology more than a decade later. Its primary focus is the Gale Crater, where it gathers data to determine whether Mars once had conditions suitable for life.Beyond its search for past habitability, Curiositys research also helps scientists prepare for future human exploration of Mars.Among the rovers many advanced tools, its Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite plays a crucial role. SAM examines atmospheric and rock samples for organic compounds using high-precision instruments, including a mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph, and laser spectrometer.As early as 2013, Curiosity detected water, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and other essential geochemical elements that could support life.Molecules Resemble Organic Matter on EarthIn previous studies, Curiosity identified organic molecules in sedimentary rocks within Gale Crater, with structures containing up to six carbon atoms. The latest discovery, however, revealed carbon chains with up to 12 carbon atoms similar to fatty acids that play key roles in biological processes on Earth. Follow up laboratory experiments confirmed that these molecules are long-chain carboxylic acids.Thanks to the preservation-friendly conditions on Mars, these organic compounds remained intact in mudstone for approximately 3.7 billion years dating back to the period when life first emerged on Earth.While the exact origin of these molecules is still unclear, researchers suggest they could have formed through either biological or non-biological processes.More Missions to ComeThe discovery of these long-chain organic molecules is a major breakthrough in studying Mars habitability. As Curiosity continues its mission, scientists are particularly interested in identifying areas with high potential for organic preservation. Understanding the origins and distribution of these molecules could bring us closer to uncovering signs of complex, life-like chemistry on Mars.These findings set the stage for upcoming planetary exploration missions. In 2028, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the ExoMars mission, aiming to further analyze Mars' surface for organic compounds. Meanwhile, a joint NASA-ESA project plans to return Martian soil samples to Earth within the next decade.Looking beyond Mars, the Dragonfly mission set to launch in 2034 will send a drone to explore Saturns largest moon, Titan. Equipped with instruments similar to Curiositys SAM suite, Dragonfly will investigate Titans organic-rich environment, offering another exciting opportunity to study lifes building blocks beyond Earth.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:NASA: Mars Science Laboratory. Curiosity Rover: Science InstrumentsHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When shes not immersed in a popular science book, youll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.

Artifacts include a decorative vessel likely used for wine mixing. Credit: Durham UniversityA metal detector hobbyists find has yielded one of the UKs largest and most expansive troves of Iron Age artifacts. After years of excavation work following its 2021 discovery, the Melsonby Hoard (named after a nearby village) is believed to contain over 800 objects dating back at least 2,000 years. Interestingly, many of the relics arent everyday items. According to researchers at Durham University, the collection suggests the presence of a wealthy class of Iron Age elites who were influenced by trade and cultural exchange with ancient Europe.Following extensive cataloging and analysis, the Melsonby Hoard was found to include numerous vehicle parts including 28 iron tires that were likely used on four-wheeled wagons and two-wheeled chariots. But those modes of transportation werent commonplace during Iron Age Britain, especially given some of their ornate features. Experts point to harnesses adorned with colored glass and Mediterranean coral as indications that some accessories were not just functional, but ornamental. Other artifacts include ceremonial spears and decorative vessels. Historically, this suggests the presence of a privileged upper socioeconomic echelon.The state of these items adds even more weight to their theory. These artifacts werent simply discardedthey appear to have been ritualistically burned and buried in a large ditch.The destruction of so many high-status objects, evident in this hoard, is also of a scale rarely seen in Iron Age Britain and demonstrates that the elites of northern Britain were just as powerful as their southern counterparts, Tom Moore, an Iron Age archeologist at Durham University, said in a statement.The pile of buried artifacts also included a wine mixing vessel as well as a lidded cauldron decorated with mask-like human faces. Experts believe their deliberate inclusion further suggests a ritualistic nature to the Melsonby Hoard. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Our working theory is that [the objects] had been gathered together and maybe heated in a big sort of bonfire, or perhaps a bonfire, said British Museum curator Sophie Adams on Tuesday in a video from Durham University.While the Roman Empire didnt complete its conquest of the southern portion of Britain until about 87 CE, the archeological collections decorative details support the theory that cultural and material trade between the two cultures existed prior to the military campaign.People think [the area] might have been somewhat of a rural backwater, added Keith Emerick, an inspector of ancient monuments for Historic England. But it was every bit as important as the south of England.

Its not clear whether the team at Signal believes the maxim that all press is good press, but the messaging app has very much been in the news in recent days.Politics and international relations aside, the incident goes to show that old-fashioned human fallibility can beat even the most secure technology. Signal is actually one of the better chat apps available, if privacy and security are your biggest priorities.The app is available on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and comes with just about all the features you could want for keeping in touch with other people: one-to-one chats, group chats, audio and video calls, file sharing, and even Snapchat-style stories. Heres how to get started with Signal and how to make the most of the app.Signal basicsWe should start by saying Signal is end-to-end encrypted: Essentially, no one else can hack into your messages, whether thats government agencies or Signal staff. Theres always the chance that malware on one of your devices can tap into your messaging (by monitoring keyboard input, for example), but when it comes to Signal itself, its locked up tight. Just be careful about who you invite into group chats.Signal identifies you by your phone number, which youll need to enter when you first install the app. Youll also be invited to create a profile on Signal so other people can see who you arethis is just your name and a photo, if you want to add one. Use the Who can find me by number? option on the profile setup page to control whether or not people who have your number can find you on Signal.When you set up your profile, you can configure how people can find you. Screenshot: Signal After that, its a question of getting your friends, family, and work colleagues to come and join you. On Android, tap the three dots (top right) then Invite friends; on iOS, tap your profile picture (top left) and Settings > Invite Your Friends. Youll get an invite link you can then share across whatever messaging apps your contacts are using.Assuming youve given the app permission to access your contacts during setup, if you tap the pencil icon (bottom right on Android, top right on iOS), you should see a list of people you know who are already using Signaljust choose a name to start chatting. In each chat, your options for sending text, images, stickers, voice notes, emojis, and your current location are all down at the bottom of the screen.You can create new group chats in just a few seconds. Screenshot: Signal You can create a group chat by starting a chat via the pencil icon, then choosing New Group and picking your contacts. From inside a group chat, tap the name of the chat at the top to add and remove members, and set up security permissions: You can specify certain group members as admins for example (youre automatically an admin if you created the group), and set up admin approval for new members.The Signal interface is simple to navigate, and youll see three main tabs on the interface: Chats (for your messages), Calls (for audio and video calls), and Stories (for social media-style sharing). Audio and video calls are end-to-end encrypted too, and you can have up to 50 people on the same call.Advanced Signal featuresDig deeper into Signal and youll find a number of advanced features available. For example, you can set messages to automatically disappear after a certain time period, once theyve been read. This works for both one-to-one chats and group chats, and adds an extra layer of privacy and security on top of the end-to-end encryption (even if someone gets access to your phone, they cant see deleted messages).From inside a conversation, tap the name of the contact or the group chat at the top, then choose Disappearing Messages. There are a variety of options here, from 30 seconds to 4 weeks, and you can set a custom time if you prefer. Once everyone in a chat has seen a message, the countdown starts for its removal.You can set custom time periods for disappearing messages. Screenshot: Signal You can access plenty of other options by tapping the name of a contact or group chat at the top of a conversation pane. You can set specific colors and wallpapers for individual chats, for example, set up custom notification sounds so you can distinguish one conversation from another, or mute a conversation (very handy for those group chats that are always busy).To get at the general settings for Signal, from the Chats tab tap the three dots (top right) then Settings on Android, or tap your profile picture (top left) and then Settings on iOS. You can change a number of options from here: Choose Appearance, for example, and youre able to change the app theme, colors, and icon.Signal lets you change various aspects of the apps appearance. Screenshot: Signal Also on the Settings pane youll find a Linked Devices setting. Choose this and follow the instructions to sync Signal messages between a phone and a desktop app on Windows or macOSmeaning you dont have to always take your phone out to compose or reply to messages (you can take advantage of your computers larger keyboard too).Other options to be aware of in Settings: Account, which lets you set up a Signal PIN for protecting unauthorized access to your account and switching between devices, and Privacy, where you can set up options such as read receipts and a screenshot blocker (so screengrabs cant be captured on your own phone, if someone should access it).

NewsGeneticsWhat 23andMes bankruptcy means for your genetic dataWe have still not figured out policies that are protective for people Millions of people have used DNA testing kits from 23andMe to trace family ties and to learn more about health conditions they may be susceptible to. The company filed for bankruptcy leaving customers wondering what to do about genetic data.ERIC BARADAT/AFP/Getty ImagesBy Tina Hesman Saey2 hours agoA genetic data giant is falling, and its unclear what will happen to millions of peoples most intimate personal information in the aftermath.On March 23, DNA testing company 23andMe announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a move intended to facilitate its sale along with the genetic data of over 15 million customers worldwide. A bankruptcy court hearing is set to begin March 26.The San Franciscobased company has been reeling since a 2023 data breach exposed ancestry information and, in some cases, health data of about 7 million users. Bankruptcy documents made public by 404 Media show that more than 50 class-action lawsuits followed.

Nature, Published online: 26 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08779-5Spectroscopy from the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey of a galaxy at redshift 13 shows a singular, bright emission line identified as Lyman-, suggesting the onset of reionization only 330Myr after the Big Bang.

Nature, Published online: 26 March 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08680-1The standard approach of climate science is showing signs of a crisis owing to the emergence of discrepancies and disruptions in recent years; this Perspective discusses the policy implications and the paths forward.

Scientists may have just found a canal the Romans built 2,100 years ago while battling the Celts.

The number of insect species is mind-boggling and they are a critical part of the environment.

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