Weekly Headlines (excerpts)

1. Software that detects ‘tortured acronyms’ in research papers could help root out misconduct

Generated by plagiarism disguisers, these red flags can point to deeper problems with a paper

BY CATHLEEN O’GRADY 31 MAY 2024 

2. This unassuming fern has the largest known genome—and no one knows why

Scientists hope the study of it and other giant genomes will shed light on species resilience

BY ASHLEY STIMPSON 31 MAY 2024 

3. NIH adds its voice to call for expanding RNA research

Science community is rallying behind a multibillion-dollar project to better understand DNA’s overlooked cousin

BY SCIENCE NEWS STAFF 30 MAY 2024 

4. Quantum computers could soon speed the development of novel materials, catalysts, and drugs

Advances show quantum computing is nearing real-world payoffs

BY ROBERT F. SERVICE 30 MAY 2024 

5. Treatments emerge for rare ‘catastrophic’ bone growth disease

Five drugs are now approved or in trials for genetic condition that triggers misplaced bone growth

BY MITCH LESLIE 29 MAY 2024 

6. Mysterious sea urchin plague is spreading through the world’s oceans

Microorganism that kills victims within days leaps from Caribbean to the Red Sea, alarming marine scientists

BY SEAN CUMMINGS 28 MAY 2024 

7. Kilauea’s 2018 eruption shows how a volcano can act like a Stomp Rocket toy

As its magma chamber emptied, the mountain collapsed, causing explosions and sending gas and ash kilometers into the sky

BY MAYA WEI-HAAS 27 MAY 2024 

8. South Korea launches its own NASA

New agency aims to boost science and commercial space projects

BY DENNIS NORMILE 27 MAY 2024