Science News, Discoveries & Research Updates

Cornell Researchers Turn Fungi into Food Factories Using Agricultural Waste

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk March 1, 2026 5:24 pm

Cornell University food scientists have published a review proposing the use of fungi to convert agricultural waste into nutritious food. The “circular fungal biorefinery” approach uses fermentation to turn low-value byproducts like fruit pomace into high-protein products. The method offers a sustainable way to feed a growing population while reducing waste and could lead to next-generation meat alternatives.

455-Million-Year-Old Land Plants Altered Earth’s Oxygen, Climate Systems; Here’s How

Sanjukta Praharaj March 1, 2026 4:47 pm

Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence that land plants began transforming Earth’s surface environments roughly 455 million years ago, far earlier

China’s Origin Pilot Makes Quantum Operating System Available for Download

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 28, 2026 5:51 pm

China’s Origin Quantum has made its homegrown quantum operating system, Origin Pilot, available for public download. The open-source software manages core quantum computer functions and supports multiple hardware types. The release aims to lower development barriers and support the growth of China’s quantum computing ecosystem as the nation pushes for technology independence in advanced computing.

France’s Airbus Unveils Two New Helicopter Concepts for NATO Studies

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 28, 2026 5:15 pm

France’s Airbus Helicopters has revealed two next-generation rotorcraft designs for NATO’s future fleet. The concepts—a conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound aircraft—share common systems to reduce costs. They build on Airbus Racer demonstrator technology and aim to replace aging NATO helicopters by 2035-2040.

MeerKAT radio telescope discovery of gigamaser from distant galaxy merger with gravitational lensing

South Africa’s MeerKAT Telescope Discovers Universe’s Strongest Microwave Laser

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 28, 2026 5:03 pm

South Africa’s MeerKAT radio telescope has detected the most powerful natural microwave laser ever found in the universe. The gigamaser signal comes from two colliding galaxies 8 billion light years away and is 100,000 times stronger than a typical star, offering a rare glimpse into galaxy mergers in the early universe.

University of Minnesota Alnashetri fossil discovery solving alvarezsaur dinosaur mystery in Patagonia

USA’s University of Minnesota Finds 90-Million-Year-Old Fossil That Solves Dinosaur Mystery

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 28, 2026 4:46 pm

University of Minnesota researchers have identified a 90-million-year-old fossil that solves the mystery of tiny bird-like dinosaurs called alvarezsaurs. The complete skeleton, found in Argentina, shows these creatures became small long before developing their strange single-clawed arms and spread across the ancient supercontinent Pangaea.

Gravitational Waves Could Resolve the Hubble Tension; Here’s How

Sanjukta Praharaj February 27, 2026 5:44 pm

Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of Chicago have developed a new way to calculate the

Can Wooden Satellite Reduce Space Junk and Save Earth?

Sanjukta Praharaj February 27, 2026 5:02 pm

Researchers at Kyoto University, in partnership with Sumitomo Forestry, have developed the world’s first wooden satellite. The satellite, named LignoSat,

GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardian unmanned aircraft armed with long-range standoff weapons

USA’s GA-ASI Adds Long-Range Missiles to MQ-9B Drones

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 26, 2026 6:04 pm

GA-ASI MQ-9B SkyGuardian, MQ-9B SeaGuardian with missiles, armed drone concept, long-range strike drone, unmanned aircraft Pacific operations, Predator series drone, General Atomics test flight

MIT builds parking-aware navigation system to save drivers 35 minutes

Modern Mechanics 24 News Desk February 26, 2026 5:13 pm

MIT researchers have built a navigation system that helps drivers find parking instead of just reaching their destination. The system directs users to the lot with the best chance of an open spot, considering drive time, walk time, and success probability. In tests using Seattle traffic data, the approach saved drivers up to 35 minutes compared to waiting for the closest lot. The system could reduce congestion and emissions while giving drivers realistic travel time estimates.