Modern space exploration mostly relies on shipments from Earth, but these rarely include fresh fruits or vegetables. Having reliable sources of fresh food—rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre—could help keep astronauts healthy on long missions.
A young solar system does not just build planets from dust and gas. It can also be shaped by what happens nearby, including the death of a massive star. New research suggests that a supernova at the right distance could quietly change a planet’s ingredients from the start, and that this setup may be more common than scientists once assumed.