This week in science

NASA's X-57 and beyond: Understand the world in 9 images

by Robin Bea
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

Between February 25 and March 3, scientists solved a vexing Covid-19 mystery, peered into the past, and explored the future of flight.

NASA

Here are 9 incredible images that illustrate the most important science stories of the week.

March 2

Scientists created a detailed map of the brain to see how blood is delivered to its various regions.

Xiang Ji and Edmund O'Donnell, UC San Diego

8. Threats from pollution

University of Portsmouth
March 2

New research suggests polluted water can kill the sperm of aquatic animals, harming their fertility.

University of Portsmouth

7. Unfolding a mystery

Nature
March 2

Researchers used X-ray imaging to read folded 300-year-old letters without risking damage by opening them.

Unlocking History Research Group

6. Elevating seaweed

Maurice Roper
March 2

Researchers developed a "kelp elevator" to increase seaweed growth and make it a more viable biofuel source.

Maurice Roper

5. Perseverance's new home

NASA/JPL/UArizona
March 1

The HiRISE camera orbiting Mars captured a color image of the Perseverance rover and its landing zone.

NASA/JPL/UArizona

4. Fire in the sky

U.K. Meteor Network
February 28

A slow-moving meteor above the U.K. was spotted by thousands of people from Northern Ireland to Belgium.

U.K. Meteor Network

3. Covid-19 questions answered

Lina Greenberg
February 26

Scientists found Covid-19 can replicate inside the heart and keep it from properly pumping blood.

Lina Greenberg

2. Floating free

ESA
February 26

The ESA's Sentinel-1 satellites captured radar images of a nearly 500-square-mile iceberg breaking free from Antarctica's Brunt Ice Shelf.

ESA

1. What's next for NASA

NASA Photo / Lauren Hughes
February 25

NASA announced the start of high-voltage ground testing for the X-57 Maxwell, bringing its first entirely electric plane closer to reality.

NASA Photo / Lauren Hughes

Antonio Busiello/Moment/Getty Images

Read more stories on science here.