The launch of NASA’s long-awaited Artemis II mission dominated science news this week, and excitement reached a fever pitch on Wednesday (April 1) when the space agency’s first manned mission to the moon in more than 50 years lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
At 6:35 p.m. EDT, millions of people around the world watched as the towering Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule lifted off from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center. Live Science broadcast the launch live, with reporters following both remotely and in person from Florida’s Space Coast.
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Back in the realm of terrestrial science, chemists have discovered a way to turn bread crumbs into hydrogen used in chemical manufacturing. Archaeologists have discovered the world’s oldest evidence of gambling: dice, invented by indigenous peoples in the western United States more than 12,000 years ago. Another archaeological discovery from Vietnam may cast doubt on the presumed history of syphilis. And new research suggests that quantum computers don’t need to be as powerful as we think to break the world’s most secure encryption algorithms.
Scientists cured type 1 diabetes in mice
In type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks cells that produce insulin, causing a lack of blood sugar-regulating hormones in the body. Although these insulin-producing cells can be replaced, this procedure typically requires patients to undergo lifelong immunosuppression, which is associated with significant health complications.
Now, in a new study, scientists sought a way to transplant insulin-producing cells without the need for immunosuppression. So far, this approach has shown promise in laboratory mice, but more research is needed to prove it is effective in humans. But in theory, it could open the way to a cure, experts told Live Science.
See more health news
— Scientists have discovered the ‘Achilles heel’ of deadly superbugs
– Mouse study suggests that pig semen components may provide chemotherapy for hard-to-reach eye cancers
— Teenager’s hives found to be caused by rare water allergy
What to read next
life’s little mysteries
Life on Earth literally revolves around the light and energy of the sun. But what would happen if our companion star suddenly disappeared? Live Science contributor Jesse Steinmetz tackles the question of what Earth would be like if the sun suddenly disappeared, and what kind of life could survive in such a cold, dark place.
—If you enjoyed this, sign up for the Life’s Little Mysteries newsletter
China’s efforts to reduce air pollution have yielded unexpected results
China launched air-cleaning efforts in 2013 and has since reduced sulfate aerosol emissions by about 75% in the decade or so. A new study examines the global impact of this impressive feat and shows that the absence of smog over China likely spared the Arctic from sea ice-damaging cyclones. Smog previously diverted storms across the North Pacific Ocean and into the Arctic, where it destroyed ice in the Bering Sea.
But it’s not all good news. Because aerosols cool the Earth, their disappearance could eventually mask the warming caused by greenhouse gases that was once offset by the cooling effects of pollution. In short, this is a complex situation that requires further research to fully understand.
More Earth news
-Extreme wildfires, droughts and storms can occur even under moderate global warming, study finds
— Scientists discover potentially huge freshwater reservoir hidden beneath the Great Salt Lake
— Earth’s energy imbalance is much more extreme than climate models show — but scientists aren’t sure why
Also featured in this week’s science news
–‘Shocking’: Long-lost Ice Age ecosystems found in Texas’ water cave, including remains of lion-sized armadillo and giant sloth
— A fart comet has been observed to reverse its rotation for the first time in history — and could soon “self-destruct”
— Tasmanian tigers discovered in indigenous rock art in Australia, suggesting these marsupials have been there much longer than thought
— Rare ‘sungrazer’ comet MAPS will shine super bright on Saturday if it survives a dangerous encounter with our star
—New adjustments to Einstein’s theory of relativity could change our understanding of the Big Bang
science reading material
NASA’s Artemis II mission not only helps the space agency prepare for future trips to the moon, but also provides a unique opportunity to study the effects of deep space on human health. The sun has recently passed its peak of activity, called solar maximum, but could the four-man crew face even greater radiation risks than they would otherwise have?
To find out how space weather affects the human body, Live Science trending news writer Patrick Pester spoke to Patricia Leaf, a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University in Houston. Counterintuitively, she explained, solar maximum may be a better time for the Artemis II mission than you might imagine.
something for the weekend
If you’re looking for something a little longer to read over the weekend, here are some of the best analysis, crossword and opinion pieces published this week.
— “That’s not the way to build a digital mind”: How failures in reasoning are preventing AI models from achieving human-level intelligence [Analysis]
–Homo habilis is the oldest named human species. But is it human? [Analysis]
— Live Science Crossword Puzzle #37: Seventh Planet from the Sun — 2 down [Crossword]
Science news in pictures
Scientists recently published the first 3D map of the clitoral nerve, rendering the tissue at micron-scale resolution. The effort involved CT scans stitched together with X-rays using a very bright light source called a synchrotron. Prior to this study, other scientists had used MRI to study the general structure of the clitoris and tallied the 10,000 or so nerves within it. However, 3D maps provide new insights into the structure of the nerve that can be very useful for surgeons to reference.
A photo taken by an astronaut in 2025 shows concentric mountain ridges in the Libyan desert. This massive structure, known as Mount Arkanu (sometimes spelled Arquenu), was once thought to be an ancient impact crater. However, recent research suggests that it was actually formed by magma repeatedly rising toward the surface and invading surrounding rocks. Mount Arkanu is home to ancient artwork depicting tethered animals such as cows and giraffes, as well as human figures.
science is in motion
NASA’s Artemis II crew launches to the moon
watch on
If you weren’t able to watch Wednesday’s Artemis II launch live, don’t worry. NASA coverage of this event is available on NASA’s YouTube channel. (And for a detailed explanation of the science you’re watching, check out Live Science’s live coverage.)
In addition to witnessing the epic moment of launch, you’ll learn about NASA astronauts’ various pre-launch rituals, the menu the crew eats during their adventure, and the mission’s official mascot, Rise, designed by 8-year-old Lucas Yeh of California. The coverage also delves into the details of how the Artemis II mission will proceed once the astronauts leave Earth’s atmosphere.
Follow Live Science on social media
Want more science news? Follow our Live Science WhatsApp channel to keep up with the latest discoveries. It’s the best way to get expert reports on the go, but even if you don’t use WhatsApp, you can use Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Flipboard, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
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