Humans have long been fascinated by the possibility of extra-terrestrial life. Novels, films, and folk tales have encouraged curiosity and speculation about what might be 'out there' in space.
Even if there is no life on Gliese 581g, its discovery reveals that habitable planets are quite common, with around 10 to 20 per cent of red dwarves and sun-like stars boasting them.
Gliese 581g is part of a string of planets in the Gliese 581 solar system. Two of Gliese 581g's siblings - Gliese 581e and Gliese 581b - orbit too close to their parent star to support any kind of life on them.
Humans have long been fascinated by the possibility of extra-terrestrial life. Novels, films, and folk tales have encouraged curiosity and speculation about what might be 'out there' in space.
Albert Einstein gave the twentieth century’s most famous equation E=MC2. It means that small amounts of mass can be converted into huge amounts of energy. His discovery was the basis of development of nuclear power.
Sperm whales seem to announce themselves using a unique click sequence, or coda. This find doesn't come out of the blue. In 2006 scientists discovered that bottlenose dolphins develop individual whistles very early in life.
Sperm whales seem to announce themselves using a unique click sequence, or coda. This find doesn't come out of the blue. In 2006 scientists discovered that bottlenose dolphins develop individual whistles very early in life.
Fossil hunters from Europe have discovered one of the largest predators ever to have lived: a whale that could devour other whales, with a mouth 9 ft (2.7 m) long and 7 ft (2.1 m) wide.
The plot follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, as he tries to stop what seems to be the Illuminati, a legendary secret society, from destroying Vatican City with the newly discovered power of antimatter.
When biologist Paul Sikkel discovered a parasitic Caribbean crustacean, he named it Gnathia marly out of "respect and admiration for [Bob] Marley's music" and because both were "uniquely Caribbean."
The Rolling Stones' ageless frontman is not technically prehistoric, but paleontologists have long had a weird affinity for him. In 1995, a newly discovered species of trilobite was named after the rock singer.
In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon's egg -- a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realizes he's the one person who can defend his home against an evil king.
In 1963 scientists discovered industrial air pollution was acidifying water that rained down from the sky, killing ecosystems of streams. Fifty years later, there's less acid rain. But rivers aren't neutral, they're alkaline.
In 1963 scientists discovered industrial air pollution was acidifying water that rained down from the sky, killing ecosystems of streams. Fifty years later, there's less acid rain. But rivers aren't neutral, they're alkaline.
Marni, a new Vice President of a large Public Relations Agency, is returning home for her brother Will's wedding. Marni discovers that his bride Joanna is her former arch nemesis in high school who made her life a living hell
Marni, a new Vice President of a large Public Relations Agency, is returning home for her brother Will's wedding. Marni discovers that his bride Joanna is her former arch nemesis in high school who made her life a living hell
Growers from the Netherlands have discovered how to create rainbow petals. A special extract injected in the stem creates flowers with unusually bright and vibrant colors.
Growers from the Netherlands have discovered how to create rainbow petals. A special extract injected in the stem creates flowers with unusually bright and vibrant colors.
Pulling out a porcupine quill is painful and slow, as many a dog discovers to its dismay after tangling with the big rodent. But those tenacious quills are inspiring efforts to develop better medical devices.
New "Doomsday" shows on the National Geographic and Discovery Channels are amusing for the absurd excess on display, but the outlook of the people stockpiling and arming themselves is dour and grating.
New "Doomsday" shows on the National Geographic and Discovery Channels are amusing for the absurd excess on display, but the outlook of the people stockpiling and arming themselves is dour and grating.
New "Doomsday" shows on the National Geographic and Discovery Channels are amusing for the absurd excess on display, but the outlook of the people stockpiling and arming themselves is dour and grating.
"Case 39" centers on an idealistic social worker who saves an abused 10-year-old girl from her parents only to discover that the girl is not as innocent as she thinks.
One of the world's leading causes of blindness is a small parasitic worm that can get in the eyes. Diagnosis has proven difficult, but the recent discovery of a biomarker in the urine of those infected will aid in treatment.
One of the world's leading causes of blindness is a small parasitic worm that can get in the eyes. Diagnosis has proven difficult, but the recent discovery of a biomarker in the urine of those infected will aid in treatment.
One of the world's leading causes of blindness is a small parasitic worm that can get in the eyes. Diagnosis has proven difficult, but the recent discovery of a biomarker in the urine of those infected will aid in treatment.
One of the world's leading causes of blindness is a small parasitic worm that can get in the eyes. Diagnosis has proven difficult, but the recent discovery of a biomarker in the urine of those infected will aid in treatment.
A US-British team of astronomers discovered a planet 1,200 light years away with ultra-high concentrations of carbon. This supports the idea that it could have mountains made up of diamonds.
A US-British team of astronomers discovered a planet 1,200 light-years away with ultra-high concentrations of carbon. This supports the idea that it could have mountains made up of diamonds.
A new picture helps scientists unravel the mystery of a vast green blob discovered in a galaxy millions of light years away. Part of a streamer of gas stretching around the galaxy, it may be giving birth to new stars.
A new picture helps scientists unravel the mystery of a vast green blob discovered in a galaxy millions of light years away. Part of a streamer of gas stretching around the galaxy, it may be giving birth to new stars.
A new picture helps scientists unravel the mystery of a vast green blob discovered in a galaxy millions of light years away. Part of a streamer of gas stretching around the galaxy, it may be giving birth to new stars.