Jan. 14, 2005: Huygens lands on Titan

Jan. 14, 2005: Huygens lands on Titan

When the Huygens probe dropped into Titan’s atmosphere on Jan. 14, 2005, no one knew what to expect. For landings on Mars or the Moon, mission scientists plotted out landing sites with meticulous care. Telescopes and orbiters scanned the ground, imaging dangerous terrain and safe zones, and flight engineers pored over their maps and planned Continue reading "Jan. 14, 2005: Huygens lands on Titan" The post Jan. 14, 2005: Huygens lands on Titan appeared first on Astronomy Magazine .

Scientists finally uncover why statins cause muscle pain

Scientists finally uncover why statins cause muscle pain

A new discovery may explain why so many people abandon cholesterol-lowering statins because of muscle pain and weakness. Researchers found that certain statins can latch onto a key muscle protein and trigger a tiny but harmful calcium leak inside muscle cells. That leak may weaken muscles directly or activate processes that slowly break them down, offering a long-sought explanation for statin-related aches.

Massive brain study reveals why memory loss can suddenly speed up with age

Massive brain study reveals why memory loss can suddenly speed up with age

A massive international brain study has revealed that memory decline with age isn’t driven by a single brain region or gene, but by widespread structural changes across the brain that build up over time. Analyzing thousands of MRI scans and memory tests from healthy adults, researchers found that memory loss accelerates as brain tissue shrinkage increases, especially later in life. While the hippocampus plays a key role, many other brain regions also contribute, forming a broad vulnerability rather than isolated damage.