Scientists observed the earliest steps of circulatory system formation in an embryo, finding that multiple cell types start the process at once. It was previously thought that some joined the process later. The work could inform future vascular disease treatments.

Researchers developed a new method for spacecraft to navigate using X-ray signals from magnetically charged pulsars. The algorithm they developed would allow spacecraft to navigate themselves without the use of ground-based tracking systems.

Researchers found evidence that a diverse collection of squamates — the reptile group including lizards and snakes — evolved in the Jurassic Period, well before popular estimates. The findings could help explain prehistoric evolution and the extreme diversity of today’s squamates.

Researchers found photosynthesis isn’t required for algae and coral to form the symbiotic bond that keeps them both alive. Rising ocean temperatures can prevent symbiosis, leading to bleached coral, and the study could point to new ways to kickstart symbiosis after a bleaching event.

Entomologists partnered with park rangers in Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park to track insect diversity. Yasuní National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, and local monitoring of butterflies can give a more accurate estimate of insect health than short-term studies by international scientists.

The James Webb Space Telescope finished its telescope alignment phase, meaning all of its instruments are ready for final calibrations in the commissioning stage.

NASA’s Ingenuity Mars helicopter captured an image of Perseverance’s backshell, which protected the rover during its descent to Mars. The images could help engineers gauge how the backshell performed during landing.