Astronomers have observed the longest gamma-ray burst on record, lasting seven hours, which might result from an intermediate-mass black hole devouring a star, according to a study in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The burst, dubbed GRB 250702B, originated from a galaxy billions of light-years away and presents unique properties that challenge existing gamma-ray burst theories.

Roman military officers stationed at Berenike, Egypt, in the first and second centuries may have kept monkeys as status symbols, according to a study in the Journal of Roman Archaeology. Researchers analyzed 35 monkey burials at the port, finding that 40% of the graves contained luxury items, such as iridescent shells and restraining collars. The remains were primarily from macaques from India, providing evidence of a live animal trade.

The discovery of Chromeornis funkyi, a sparrow-sized bird fossil from northeastern Asia, has provided paleontologists with a remarkable glimpse into Early Cretaceous avian diversity. Researchers believe the bird died from choking on 800 stones in its throat, which is unusual compared with modern birds' use of gizzard stones, according to a study in Palaeontologia Electronica.

MIT researchers have confirmed that ancient Romans used "hot mixing" with quicklime to create durable concrete, as detailed in a study published in Nature Communications. This method, identified through samples from a newly discovered site, aligns with the techniques described by Vitruvius in his treatise "De architectura." The research highlights the self-healing properties of Roman concrete, which can react with water to fill cracks, a finding that could influence modern construction practices.

Researchers have developed a method to convert waste cooking oil into recyclable plastics with incredible strength, according to a study in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. The plastics, tested as adhesives, held up to 123 kilograms and towed a car, matching or surpassing commercial adhesives. The plastics can be recycled multiple times without losing their properties, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics..

A study in the journal Nutrients found that alternate-day fasting over four weeks led to significant reductions in body and fat mass but also reduced muscle mass. The study involved 37 men with an average BMI of 26. Researchers found that whey protein supplements did not prevent muscle loss.

Children exposed over time to average maximum temperatures above 86 degrees Fahrenheit may be from 5% to nearly 7% less likely to meet developmental targets for literacy and mathematics, researchers reported in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The study, involving data on more than 19,600 3- and 4-year-olds from several countries, found negative impacts on development were more significant for children from poorer households, those without access to clean water and those in urban areas.

The NSF has issued a $4.8 million grant to the University of Arizona and partners to modernize air quality models, addressing a gap left by the phasing out of Weather Research Forecasting with Chemistry. The new system, inspired by game development, will use modular libraries to track pollutants more effectively, aiming to protect public health amid increasing air pollution and wildfire smoke.