Manganese dioxide can convert amino acids into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) without requiring methane, solving a long-standing puzzle about the origin of this key prebiotic molecule on early Earth, as reported by researchers from Science Tokyo. Although HCN is central to origin-of-life theories, recent evidence suggests early Earth's atmosphere didn’t contain sufficient methane needed for classic HCN-producing reactions. The newly found chemical pathway shows that HCN could instead have been continuously supplied from abundant amino acids.

How does one plan a space mission that involves visiting multiple celestial bodies which are constantly moving? Researchers at Bielefeld University have, for the first time, developed a precise mathematical approach to this problem. The publication in a leading international journal demonstrates that decision-support methods at the interface between economics and mathematics can advance space travel and transport planning – with implications extending far beyond space missions.

JWST Observations: The James Webb Space Telescope analysed the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b, revealing a dark, hot surface without an atmosphere.

Surface Composition: The analysis indicates the planet's surface is likely composed of basalt or mantle rock, ruling out a composition similar to Earth's silicate-rich crust.

Geological Activity: The findings suggest that LHS 3844 b may have undergone prolonged geological inactivity, as no signs of volcanic gases were detected.

A team of astronomers led by UNSW Sydney have piloted a new method to find planets – and in the process, found 27 potential new worlds in double star systems.

A research team has developed a camera-only visual odometry (VO) system that uses prebuilt colored point cloud maps to deliver more accurate and robust localization with reduced drift in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-challenged environments.