Phys.org

The subject of today's NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image is an ancient inhabitant of our galaxy. This sparkling scene features a globular cluster: a collection of tens of thousands to millions of stars, all tightly bound together under the influence of gravity. There are more than 150 globular clusters in our galaxy, though there may be others still undiscovered, hidden from view by dust or densely packed fields of stars.

June 26, 2026 by University of Córdoba edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced naturally during cellular metabolism often cause oxidative damage to cells. However, these molecules also play an important role in normal cellular signaling. While ROS are established as essential signaling molecules in various organisms, their precise role in basic plant development and morphogenesis remains unclear.

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) led one of the first global assessments of how marine ecosystems responded during the first year when global temperatures temporarily exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) have developed a technique for interrogating molecules on surfaces with spectroscopic precision, thereby reaching the ultimate quantum limit for the first time. With their findings, published in Science, the researchers open new opportunities for the study of molecule-surface interactions and molecular quantum technologies.

Biomass burning, including the combustion of wood, charcoal and agricultural residues, is a major source of PM2.5, a fine particulate matter that degrades air quality and poses risks to human health. Much of this pollution is tracked by looking at levels of levoglucosan, a chemical that is formed when cellulose in plants is burned, from biomass combustion such as residential fuel use, cooking and open burning.

In many organizations, large hierarchical gaps exist within work teams, raising the question of how frontline employees can strive for upward mobility in their careers. A recent study by the Department of Psychology at Lingnan University finds that employees who proactively seek opportunities, are willing to learn and, at the same time, have higher emotional intelligence carry out their jobs far better and are more engaged.

June 26, 2026 by Erica McNamee, NASA edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan

The Botanical Garden in Uppsala was recently visited by animal ecology researchers, who conducted a BioBlitz to find, identify and record as many insects as possible in the Botanical Garden. One of the finds was an endangered butterfly called the Small Blue, Cupido minimus. It is abundant in one of the garden's meadows.

Governments, corporations and other institutions must all play constructive roles in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Universities, too, can and must help with that effort.