Science News
In Ancient Peru, a Parrot Trade That Crossed the Andes
Scientists studied centuries-old bird feathers from an ancient tomb on the coast, and then traced the origins back to the Amazon.
Cancer Haunts Neighbors of Canada’s Oil Sands Wastelands
Though high rates of the disease persist among the nearby Indigenous communities, the Canadian government is weighing rules that may allow energy giants to release treated mining waste into the river system.
Oil Prices Will Remain High as Iran War Continues
While officials look for ways to ease oil shocks, experts say higher prices will likely persist until traffic through the Strait of Hormuz returns.
Meteorite Crashes Through Roof in Germany After Fiery Light Show
The fireball from space was spotted by a network of sky-watching cameras in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Germany.
F.D.A. Opens Door to More Flavored E-Cigarettes
The agency is proposing allowing other tastes for vapes, like mint, coffees, spices or tea, to appeal to adults. At the same time, illicit candy-flavored types aimed at teenagers have flooded the market.
A Night Light in the Sky? Start-Up Wants to Launch a Big Space Mirror.
The company is seeking F.C.C. approval to test an idea to reflect sunlight to Earth at night, possibly powering solar panels. Critics say it could be bad for people and wildlife.
Viral Outbreaks Take a Common Path from Animals to People, Study Finds
Researchers have devised a new tool for discerning between naturally occurring viral outbreaks and those resulting from lab accidents.
MoMath Brings Prime Numbers to a Prime New Location
After outgrowing its original home, the National Museum of Mathematics has added new exhibits and an art gallery space in what was an empty storefront along the Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan.
Lemurs Love This Fruit That Is Choking Madagascar’s Forests
The strawberry guava, one of the world’s worst invasive species, hinders forest restoration on the island while feeding its famous endangered primates.
For These Design Materials, It’s Goodbye and Good Riddance
Not all acts of extinction are to be regretted.
Divisive F.D.A. Vaccine Regulator Is Resigning
Dr. Vinay Prasad drew criticism for overriding career scientists and rejecting drugs by companies seeking agency approval.
NASA’s Asteroid-Smashing DART Mission Sped Up Space Rock’s Orbit Around the Sun
New data about the DART spacecraft’s effects adds evidence that Earth could be defended from future deadly asteroids by diverting their orbits.
From 1983: Lise Meitner, Physicist, Is Dead at 89; Paved Way for Splitting of Atom
She laid much of the theoretical groundwork for the atomic bomb, although she did not participate directly in its production.
From 2000: Hedy Lamarr, Sultry Star Who Reigned in Hollywood
A temptress on the silver screen in the 1930s and ’40s, she later became an inventor.
From Endangered Plants Come Whiffs of Inspiration
How scientists, conservationists and the fragrance industry are working to revive extinct scents and perpetuate threatened ones.
Superfood Fuels Mating Frenzy for Critically Endangered Kakapo
Kakapos, which are reclusive and flightless and can live as long as humans, are found only in New Zealand. They feed on the fruit of the rimu tree.
Fewer Pregnant Women Received Acetaminophen in E.R.s After White House Warnings
A new analysis of prescription data found that emergency room orders for acetaminophen for pregnant women fell for weeks after the federal warning.
Nature Report, Killed by Trump, Is Released Independently
A draft assessment of the health of nature in the United States is grim but shot through with bright spots and possibility.
Feeling the Effects of 260,000 Federal Jobs Lost
One year in, assessing budget cuts to federal climate and science jobs.
Should New York City Burn Its Parks? This Scientist Thinks So.
An unusual outbreak of wildfires in city parks gave scientists a chance to study these rare events. Now they’re coming to different conclusions.