Grey matter volume in the brain decreases by about 5% during pregnancy but partially recovers postpartum, particularly in the default mode network. This study, involving MRI scans of nearly 180 first-time mothers, links these changes to fluctuating estrogen levels and highlights the link between grey matter recovery and mother-infant bonding.

Scientists at the University of Stuttgart have succeeded in controlling the structure and function of biological membranes with the help of 'DNA origami'. It will help in facilitating the transportation of large therapeutic loads into cells. It now paves a new way for the targeted administration of medication and other therapeutic inventions

Like many other young people, Amelie feels that the Covid-19 pandemic -- and its procession of lockdowns and restrictions -- marked a urning point for her mental health. I came face to face with everything I had been repressing -- and it triggered an enormous depression, the French university student, who was 19 years old when the pandemic broke out in 2020, told AFP. Five years later, Amelie is still receiving treatment for her mental health.

Isro successfully demonstrated the restart capability of its Vikas liquid engine, crucial for future reusable rocket stages, by firing it for 60 seconds, shutting it off for 120 seconds, and restarting for 7 seconds. This test, conducted at the Isro Propulsion Complex, is part of ongoing efforts to reduce space mission costs.

SpaceX's Starship, designed for future interplanetary missions, suffered a catastrophic failure on January 16, 2025, during its seventh test flight. The rocket exploded just minutes after liftoff from South Texas. Initial investigations revealed an oxygen/fuel leak above the engine firewall, causing pressure buildup and leading to the rockets destruction. Although the mission ended in disaster, SpaceX successfully recovered the Super Heavy booster using its chopsticks mechanism. Despite the setb

Astronomers have detected the most ancient blazar ever observed, originating from the early universe and emitting a beam of energy directly at Earth. This discovery, involving the blazar J0410-0139, offers insights into the formation of early supermassive black holes and suggests the presence of many other similar cosmic entities from that era.

The probability of a megaquake in Japan in the next 30 years has marginally increased, a government panel said Thursday, with a 75-82 percent chance of it happening. The Earthquake Research Committee said it has increased its estimate of the probability to between 75 and 82 percent from between 74 and 81 percent previously.

Kazakhstan said on Monday the northern part of the Aral Sea had nearly doubled in volume since 2008, a rare environmental success story in a region plagued by pollution. Since 2008, the volume of water in the northern, smaller part of the sea has increased by 42 percent and reached 27 billion cubic metres (950 billion cubic feet), the Central Asian republic's water resources ministry said.

Landslides triggered by torrential rains in southeast Brazil's Minas Gerais state have resulted in at least 10 deaths, including an eight-year-old boy. Over 80 millimetres of rain in Ipatinga caused significant destruction. One person remains missing, while rescue teams continue their search efforts. Governor Romeu Zema expressed solidarity with the victims.

Jordan, one of the world's driest countries, signed an agreement on Sunday with French-led investors to build one of the world's largest desalination plants. In 2013, Israel, Jordan and the Palestinians signed a memorandum of understanding on that project, which included plans to build a desalination plant at the Red Sea.

The week showcased extreme weather contrasts across America.Initially, numerous regions in the United States experienced severe blizzards and prolonged freezing temperatures, attributed to increasingly frequent jet stream deviations. Subsequently, California faced devastating wildfires, with strong winds propelling flames through drought-affected areas, resulting in Los Angeles' most severe wildfire incident on record.The situation intensified when leading meteorological organisations verified t

The deaths of 1,300 pilgrims during the hajj in Saudi Arabia last year underscored the urgent need to mitigate dangers posed by extreme heat, with crowd management an essential first step, analysts say. - 'Extreme danger' - Authorities were pursuing heat-mitigation measures at holy sites long before last year's deaths.

Earth's average temperature in 2024 reached a record high, surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement. This increase, linked to fossil fuel emissions and El Nino impacts, is the first full-year breach of this benchmark. Experts warn about the long-term implications, emphasizing urgent action against climate change.

At least five people have died and over 1,000 structures have been destroyed by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Fueled by Santa Ana winds, the fires led to extensive evacuations and poor air quality. The Palisades Fire is notably the most destructive in LA history, burning 25 square miles and affecting many homes and businesses.

DarkSky International acknowledges Franklin Mountain Energy's efforts in reducing light pollution at oil sites in New Mexico, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The lighting retrofits improve workplace safety and reduce electricity consumption. New Mexico is updating its 1999 law to combat increasing light pollution and protect night skies.

A powerful 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes near the Tibet-Nepal border, killing at least nine people. It causes building collapses and shakes regions across Bihar and North India. The quake's epicentre is in Tibet, about 93 km from Lobuche, Nepal. Two aftershocks were also recorded.