Climate change threatens democratic processes while scientists make breakthroughs in understanding natural phenomena and Mars exploration.

Natural disasters linked to climate change disrupted 23 elections across 18 countries in 2024, with heatwaves, floods and wildfires posing mounting threats to democratic processes worldwide.

NASA's Curiosity rover detected organic molecules on Mars, including potential chemical building blocks of life preserved for 3.5 billion years, though scientists cannot yet confirm if they indicate past life.

Researchers solved the mystery of volcanic lightning, discovering that fine carbon coating on silica particles in volcanic updraughts creates electrical charges that produce the spectacular lightning displays.

Gibraltar's macaque monkeys have learned to eat soil to counteract stomach problems caused by consuming salty and sugary tourist junk food, demonstrating behavioral adaptation to human interference.

Analysis of the 2011 Japan tsunami revealed that mud-rich coastlines made the disaster far more destructive, as waves traveling over rice paddies gained additional force and debris.

Scientists are using brain activity tracking in cinema labs to understand how to create more immersive films, with Bristol University leading research to help directors make better movies.