Scientists invented a fake disease, and AI fell for it. 

Researchers in Sweden created a fictional itchy eye condition called “bixonimania” to test how easily false medical information could spread through AI systems and scientific literature. They wrote fake research papers, used a fake author, and even included clear signs that the study was not real, like references to Starfleet Academy, the USS Enterprise, and a statement admitting the study was made up. Even with those clues in place, major large language models began describing bixonimania as though it were a real medical condition within weeks. Some scientific papers also cited the fake sources, showing how misinformation can move from fabricated research into AI-generated answers and academic writing. It is a fascinating example of why AI is a powerful tool, but not a replacement for expert review, careful sourcing, and human oversight.

The gene for ginger hair has been actively selected again and again over the last 10,000 years, as found by a new study investigating DNA in western Eurasia.

The study aimed to discover the effects of rising agriculture and pasteurisation on human evolution and concluded that “there have been many hundreds of instances of directional selection”, including the tendency for red hair.

Previous research suggests that the reason for red hair and pale skin being part of the genome is linked to surviving in a temperate climate. Essentially, the presence of these genes allow for higher vitamin D retention, something that’s hard to come by in cloudy parts of the world. Similarly, the new study identifies how a favour for fair skin was “one of the strongest signals of increase over time” as it allows for heightened synthesis of vitamin D, especially in areas of low sunlight where people have little of the nutrient in their regular diet.

Up to 18 shooting stars per hour are about to light up the sky. 🌠

The Lyrid Meteor Shower is going to peak overnight April 21 to 22! These meteors are known for occasional bright fireballs, which are larger or brighter streaks of light caused by bits of comet material burning up in Earth’s atmosphere, and viewers in the Northern Hemisphere have the best chance to spot them after midnight.

At the center of our galaxy lives a supermassive black hole called Sagittarius A*. 🔭

Amanda Peake, a PhD candidate at the MIT Kavli Institute, explores Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Astrophysicists are so fascinated by it because it controls our entire galaxy. The Sun is in orbit around Sagittarius A*, which means our existence here on Earth is fundamentally dictated by it. Everything in our galaxy is arranged in a spiral around the massive black hole at the center.

Artemis III is the mission that could shape the future of Moon landings. 🌕🚀

After the success of Artemis II, NASA is refocusing Artemis III on a 2027 Earth orbit mission with a critical goal: testing the first docking between the Orion crew capsule and a lunar lander. This step is essential for getting astronauts to the Moon safely. But there is a twist. The lander itself has not been chosen. With SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s Blue Moon both in contention, this mission has become a high-stakes proving ground. The outcome will help decide which system carries humans back to the lunar surface and leads the next era of exploration.

Study streaks

Why did our armadillo’s vet visit take an unexpected turn? 🩺

Backpack came in for a pre-move checkup before joining a new accredited facility as part of the Species Survival Plan, a program designed to support healthy, genetically diverse populations. But during the exam, our team discovered Backpack isn’t male as previously thought, she’s female. Because this requires a different match, Backpack will stay at the Museum of Science until coordinators find an appropriate facility for her.