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Breakthrough discovery provides new clues about how these celestial bodies - that push the known laws of physics to their limits - find each other. Scientists have uncovered the first robust evidence of a black hole and neutron star crashing together but orbiting in an oval path rather than a perfect circle just before they merged.

Scientists reveal that even small differences in solar magnetic activity produce detectable changes inside the Sun. Scientists have analysed more than 40 years of astronomical data to uncover evidence that the Sun's internal structure subtly changes from one solar cycle minimum to the next. Publishing their findings in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society , researchers from the University of Birmingham and Yale University reveal that even small differences in solar magnetic activity produce detectable changes inside the Sun.

Strongest evidence yet for an atmosphere on a rocky planet outside our solar system - a thick blanket of gases above an ocean of magma. Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have detected the strongest evidence yet for an atmosphere on a rocky planet outside our solar system. Observations of the ultra-hot super-Earth TOI-561 b suggest the exoplanet is surrounded by a thick blanket of gases above a global magma ocean.

Ten years after detecting the first gravitational wave, scientists found a ripple in spacetime offering fresh insights into black holes and the laws of physics. Scientists have confirmed two long-standing theories relating to black holes - thanks to the detection of the most clearly recorded gravitational wave signal to date.

Asia and the developing Pacific region are emerging as the largest contributors to global methane emissions, due to industrialisation and population growth. The world's methane emissions continue to rise steadily with no signs of slowing, as global trade contributes some 30% to the total amount of the greenhouse gas swirling around the planet, a new study reveals.

Newly discovered fossils reveal that Spicomellus afer's skeleton was covered in spikes, some fused to the animal's skeleton, measuring as much as a metre long. The world's most unusual dinosaur is even stranger than first realised, as new research published in Nature reports that Spicomellus afer had a tail weapon more than 30 million years before any other ankylosaur, as well as a unique bony collar ringed with metre-long spikes sticking out from either side of its neck.

First time that strong evidence for a 'polar planet' orbiting a stellar pair has been collected Astronomers have discovered a planet that orbits at a 90-degree angle around a rare pair of strange stars - a real-life 'twist' on the fictional twin suns of Star Wars hero Luke Skywalker's home planet of Tatooine.

Low-cost sensors and innovative techniques allowed researchers to discover that pollution levels in houses were higher and more variable than outdoor levels. People may be exposed to unhealthy levels of airborne pollutants inside their homes, even if the outdoor air quality is good, a new study reveals.

University of Birmingham researchers have found that biomass burning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter levels in the region. Woodburning has a major impact on air quality in Birmingham and the West Midlands - accounting for a substantial proportion of all fine pollution particles and representing a significant risk to public health, a new study reveals.

The number of sex offences committed by strangers decreased significantly in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic, new research shows. According to researchers at the University of Birmingham, the amount of offending in night-time economy and outdoor settings dropped significantly, but so too did offences taking place at home.

Birmingham-led study finds AI-powered models match ophthalmologists in diagnosing infectious keratitis, offering promise for global eye care improvements Eye care specialists could see artificial intelligence help in diagnosing infectious keratitis (IK), a leading cause of corneal blindness worldwide, as a new study finds that deep learning models showed similar levels of accuracy in identifying infection.

Head-to-head study of diagnostic test accuracy found IOTA ultrasound ADNEX model best sensitivity and acceptable specificity An ultrasound test that detected 96% of ovarian cancers in postmenopausal women should replace current standard of care test in the UK according to a new study.

World first breakthrough could lead to improved, personalised treatments for children with leukaemia and bone marrow failure disorders. Researchers have made a world first breakthrough into creating blood stem cells that closely resemble those in the human body, and the discovery could soon lead to personalised treatments for children with leukaemia and bone marrow failure disorders.

Male fruit flies will become oblivious to physical danger as they become more engaged in courtship and sex. Male fruit flies will become oblivious to physical danger as they become more engaged in courtship and sex, new research shows. Researchers at the University of Birmingham have shown that pursuit of a coveted reward - in this case a female fly - will cause a male fruit fly to ignore threats such as predation.

Children who experienced inflammation at a young age at higher risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. Children who have persistently raised inflammation are at a higher risk of experiencing serious mental health disorders including psychosis and depression in early adulthood, according to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Older trees have important carbon capture role - countering existing theories that mature woodland has no capacity to respond to elevated carbon dioxide levels Mature forests have a key role to play in the fight against climate change - extracting carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and locking it into new wood, a new study reveals.

Microbes hidden within tree bark can absorb methane - a powerful greenhouse gas - from the atmosphere. Tree bark surfaces play an important role in removing methane gas from the atmosphere, according to a study published in Nature. While trees have long been known to benefit climate by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, this new research reveals a surprising additional climate benefit.

A study of 17 commonly used synthetic -forever chemicalshas shown that these toxic substances can readily be absorbed through human skin. New research, published in Environment International, proves for the first time that a wide range of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) - chemicals which do not break down in nature - can permeate the skin barrier and reach the body's bloodstream.

New research suggests that MRI scanning could be used to determine which of four types of medulloblastoma present - which could cut wait for treatment by weeks. Children with the most common malignant form of brain cancer could see diagnostic wait times reduced thanks to new research that trialled a new, quicker and less invasive way of determining which type of tumour they have.

A 3,500-year-old suit of Mycenaean armour may have been used in battle - and not just for ceremonial purposes as previously thought - new research reveals. Researchers worked with a group of Greek military volunteers who wore a replica of the Dendra armour during extended simulations of the rigours of battle.