Science

This Week in Science: Astounding Discoveries and the Power of Diversity

2025-05-17

Author: Amelia

Lost Worlds and Resurrected Technology

Exciting discoveries illuminate the world of paleontology as researchers unveil new insights from an Archaeopteryx fossil using cutting-edge CT scans and UV light. Meanwhile, in the realm of space exploration, engineers at NASA have accomplished the remarkable feat of reviving thrusters on Voyager 1, which were declared dead back in 2004.

A Protoplanetary Goldmine in Our Galaxy

Astronomers are thrilled to report groundbreaking findings from some of the Milky Way's most chaotic regions! Their latest high-resolution survey has unveiled a staggering 300 protoplanetary systems nestled within three molecular clouds in the Central Molecular Zone. This turbulent area, deemed more representative of our galaxy than the tranquil solar neighborhood we call home, promises secrets about star formation yet to be uncovered.

Using the state-of-the-art Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile, the team, led by Fengwei Xu, was stunned to detect these 'little red dots' scattered across the molecular clouds, shedding light on the hidden dynamics of dense star-forming cores.

Boreal Forests: A Climate Ally?

In a remarkable twist, researchers at the University of Alberta have revised the count of trees in North America’s boreal forests to an astounding 277 billion! This revision, achieved through innovative machine-learning algorithms, suggests that tree densities may be 31% higher than earlier estimates from 2015.

The implications are promising: a denser boreal forest could bolster our fight against climate change. Predictions indicate that under warming climates, tree density could surge by 11% by 2050, potentially enhancing their role in carbon capture.

Corporate Diversity: The Secret to Success?

A recent study examining 441 American corporations reveals a striking correlation between diversity on corporate boards and overall performance. Companies within the Fortune 500 boasting LGBTQ+ board members significantly outperform their peers on both financial and non-financial metrics.

Conducted by scholars from Northeastern University and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, the research illustrates that firms with LGBTQ+ representation achieve elevated scores in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, ultimately translating to increased enterprise value. Professor Ruth Aguilera emphasizes the grave risks of groupthink in homogenous boards, advocating for diverse perspectives that enrich decision-making.