Leonardo da Vinci's burial site was disturbed early in the 19th century, and he had no direct descendants. Finding his DNA is “about as hard a target there is,” experts say. Now scientists may have made a breakthrough... Cool story by @richardastone.bsky.social for @science.org
For a decade, I've been tracking scientists on an epic quest to recover DNA of Leonardo da Vinci - the Renaissance polymath and artist who created the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. Well, they might just have succeeded! See my latest story in Science: www.science.org/content/arti...
While Ukraine is resisting Russia's invasion, on the frontlines, doctors and scientists are fighting another war, one against antibiotic-resistant "superbugs".
Grantee @richardastone.bsky.social spoke with those containing the deadly bacteria.
Story for @knowablemag.bsky.social. bit.ly/47phkY7
Last month, I spent 11 days in Ukraine—my third reporting trip there for Science since Russia launched its full-scale invasion three years ago. This time around, with the support of the Pulitzer Center, I was investigating the vast mobilization of civilian scientists for Ukraine’s war effort.
What a thrill! Hunt for the Oldest DNA is a contender for an Emmy -- Best Science and Technology Documentary. Deeply honored to have worked on this amazing film with some of the top talents in the science documentary world: Niobe Thompson, John Rubin, Sean B. Carroll, Julia Cort and Chris Schmidt.
📢 #MediaFellowship opportunity w/ @novaforhealth.bsky.social! For journalists passionate about illuminating the complex connections between healthy people, places, & planet via print, broadcast, & digital media projects. This year, newsrooms are also eligible!
Apply by 5/19: bit.ly/2025MediaFel...
Another scientific casualty of the deadly Palm Sunday missile strike in Sumy, Ukraine. In addition to destroying part of Sumy State University, the Russian attack destroyed research facilities of the Institute of Applied Physics of Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences:
The Russian missile barrage yesterday in Sumy that killed 34 people inflicted heavy damage on Sumy State University. Two medical students died in the attack, physicist and vice rector Anatoliy Chornous told me. A conference center, administrative offices, and a human behavior lab all lie in ruins.
As the U.S.'s tariff war with China ratchets up, the two countries now find themselves in a cold war over scientific data. The NIH has barred scientists from China and five other "countries of concern" from accessing many of its research databases: www.science.org/content/arti...
I’m seeking info from scientists with on the ground knowledge of Syria’s chemical weapons sites for an article for Science Magazine. Please contact me on Signal, richstone.01.
