For over a century, doctors have used electrocardiograms (EKGs) to render the invisible electrical activity of the human heart visible, using the pulse to diagnose disease before it becomes fatal. Now, scientists have invented a way to do the exact same thing for the places where most of humanity lives: cities.

In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers have introduced the concept of the “Urban Pulse.” By using dense, high-frequency satellite imagery, the team has successfully tracked the dynamic, real-time metabolic activity of urban environments, effectively measuring the heartbeat of a city.

SAN ANTONIO — June 8, 2026 — Southwest Research Institute scientists modeled the early impact history of Earth, seeking insight into potential origins of life. These models show that asteroid impacts on the early Earth plowed up surfaces and generated hydrothermal systems, environments where life could have evolved.

Scientists detected a quasar flickering from the very early universe, a time known as the “cosmic dawn,” just 850 million years after the Big Bang. This is the earliest flickering quasar detected to date.

Tokyo, Japan – Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have used simulations to show that a newly developed, compact X-ray telescope could be used to map the chemical composition of the entire Moon surface, a vital breakthrough for understanding its geological evolution. Detailed modeling of the detector and a realistic satellite mission show that two years would be enough to map five key elements, while an array of five-by-five detectors could improve resolution and get results faster.

A new pharmaceutical production method could allow astronauts on long space missions to "grow" fresh medicines on demand using plants. The work could also bring low-cost pharmaceutical production to resource-limited areas on Earth.