Science News
Anthony J. Leggett Dies at 87; Won Nobel for Theories on Superfluids
When scientists unwittingly turned helium into a superfluid — a feat many thought was impossible — Dr. Leggett not only recognized what had happened but also explained how.
Iran Shocks Could Spur a Shift to Clean Energy — But Also to Coal
Environmentalists say the war’s effects on oil and gas prices are an argument for countries to get off fossil fuels. But the reality is likely to be messier.
Slowly, Slowly, ‘Darwin’s Finches of the Snail World’ Return From Near Extinction
Partula snails all but vanished from Polynesia after the arrival of a carnivorous foreign snail. But a global alliance of zoos has worked to bring them back.
In Talking to Parents About Vaccines, Pediatricians Navigate a Sea of Misinformation
Practitioners nationwide are striving to do what’s best for children’s health, while staying supportive in the face of mistrust and confusion.
Bumblebee Queens Can Breathe Underwater
A new study offers clues as to how the insects survive flooding as they emerge from a hibernation-like phase every winter.
Bumblebee Queens Can Breathe Underwater
A new study offers clues as to how the insects survive flooding as they emerge from a hibernation-like phase every winter.
‘Don’t Worry About It’: NASA Satellite to Burn Up in Fall to Earth
Most of the Van Allen Probe A, in orbit since 2012, will incinerate in Earth’s atmosphere, NASA said. But some pieces are expected to survive, posing a small risk to people on the ground.
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.