Planet Earth

La Niña is dead — what that means for this year's hurricanes and weather

By Evan Howell published

Scientists thought La Niña was coming. It didn't — at least for now. What could that mean for this year's hurricane season, and how might long-term climate change affect El Niño and La Niña patterns?

Hurricanes

'The Big One' could rock the Pacific Northwest and fuel sea-level rise and massive flooding

By Stephanie Pappas published

The geology of the Cascadia subduction zone has largely staved off climate-related sea-level rise in the Pacific Northwest, but that could reverse in an instant.

Climate change
VIEW MORE

Space

Physicists create a black hole bomb for the first time

By Elana Spivack published

Physicists have created a model of a black hole bomb in the lab for the first time, verifying a theory first proposed more than 50 years ago.

Black Holes

Amateur astronomer captures detailed photos of Croc's Eye and Whirlpool galaxies from backyard observatory

By Anthony Wood published

The Croc's Eye and Whirlpool galaxies shine in astrophotography captured by Vermont-based night sky enthusiast Dr. Michele Hernandez Bayliss.

Astronomy
VIEW MORE

archaeology

Ancient Egyptians drew the Milky Way on coffins and tombs, linking them to sky goddess, study finds

By Owen Jarus published

A new study links the Egyptian goddess Nut with the Milky Way galaxy.

Ancient Egyptians

Hidden messages found on 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk in Paris

By Owen Jarus published

A researcher believes he has found hidden messages on a 3,300-year-old ancient Egyptian obelisk that is now in Paris.

Ancient Egyptians
VIEW MORE

World of science

Health

a firefighter wearing gear stands on a hill looking out at a large wildfire

How wildfire smoke hurts the body — and how to protect yourself

By Emily Cooke last updated

Experts lay bare the health effects of breathing in wildfire smoke and the steps that can be taken to reduce one's risk.

Viruses, Infections & Disease

A single molecule may treat rare, devastating mitochondrial diseases

By Nicoletta Lanese published

Scientists found a compound that appears to counter common mutations behind POLG-related diseases, rare conditions that harm mitochondrial DNA.

Medicine & Drugs
Xiaomi Watch S4 being tested by our reviewer

Xiaomi Watch S4 smartwatch review: Affordable elegance

By Anna Gora published

Reviews A fashionable choice for occasional exercisers or a classic example of style over substance?

Reviews
VIEW MORE

Animals

three cuttlefish in a tank facing each other

Cuttlefish appear to wave at each other in what researchers think could be a form of communication

By Olivia Ferrari published

Cuttlefish flash patterns and colors on their skin to communicate, and they may wave their tentacles to send visual and vibrational signals, scientists hypothesize.

Mollusks

Dinosaurs might still roam Earth if it weren't for the asteroid, study suggests

By Richard Pallardy published

The dinosaurs were not in decline before the asteroid hit, a new study finds. Instead, poor fossilization conditions and unexposed late Cretaceous rock layers mean they're either not preserved or hard to find.

Dinosaurs
two adult dire wolves

How related are dire wolves and gray wolves? The answer might surprise you.

By Sascha Pare published

Recent findings indicate that dire wolves and gray wolves are distantly related, having diverged about 5.7 million years ago and, as far as scientists can tell, never interbred since then.

Land Mammals
VIEW MORE

Human Behavior

Lego Ideas Motorized Lighthouse

Best Lego sets for adults 2025: Science, nature & engineering sets for curious minds

By Kim Snaith last updated

From sets celebrating architecture and famous art to clever designs, these are the best Lego sets for adults.

Arts & Entertainment

Science at a crossroads: Dispatches from Friday's 'Stand Up for Science' rallies across the US

By Kristina Killgrove, Nicoletta Lanese published

Our science journalists reported on the Stand Up for Science rallies held in New York City and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Politics

What counts as a phobia?

By Stephanie Pappas published

Specific phobias are out-of-proportion fears to objects, animals or situations, and fortunately, they can be treated.

Human Behavior
VIEW MORE

Physics & Mathematics

Mathematicians devise new way to solve devilishly difficult algebra equations

By Joanna Thompson published

Mathematicians have devised a new way to solve higher-order polynomial equations, ushering in a 'dramatic revision of a basic chapter in algebra'.

Mathematics

Mathematicians just solved a 125-year-old problem, uniting 3 theories in physics

By Jack Murtagh published

A breakthrough in Hilbert's sixth problem is a major step in grounding physics in math

Mathematics

Ghostly galaxy without dark matter baffles astronomers

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

Astronomers have stumbled upon yet another ghostly galaxy that appears to be devoid of dark matter, the elusive stuff that makes up most of the material universe.

Dark Matter
VIEW MORE

Chemistry

A cross-section of the new copper alloy, with the orange dots representing copper atoms, the yellow tantalum atoms, and the blue lithium atoms.

Scientists create ultra-tough copper alloy that is stronger than steel and can withstand temperatures of 1500 F

By Ben Turner published

The new super-strong copper alloy can be used to build better airplanes and spacecraft.

Chemistry
Plastic waste by the ocean

Scientists break down cheap plastic using the air — and turn it into something far more valuable

By Ben Turner published

Scientists developed a new method for breaking down one of the most common plastics to a byproduct that can be upcycled into more valuable materials.

Chemistry
Digital generated image of solar panel with purple -blue reflection.

Nanoparticle breakthrough could bring 'holy grail' of solar power within reach

By Ben Turner published

Digital generated image of solar panel with purple-blue reflection.

Chemistry
VIEW MORE

Technology

3d rendered image of Neuron cell network on black background. Interconnected neurons cells with electrical pulses. Conceptual medical image.

World's first computer that combines human brain with silicon now available

By Skyler Ware published

The CL1 computer is the first in the world that combines human neurons with a silicon chip. It could be used in disease modeling and drug discovery before it expires after six months.

Computing

ChatGPT update pulled after chatbot complimented users too much

By Patrick Pester published

A recent update caused ChatGPT to turn into a sycophant, with the chatbot excessively complimenting and flattering its users with reassurances — even when they said they'd harmed animals or stopped taking their medication. OpenAI has now reversed the changes.

Artificial Intelligence
Illustration of the circular robots melting from a cube formation. Shows these robots can behave like a liquid.

Watch robots swarm to flow like water and harden like a solid

By Andrea Saravia Pérez published

Researchers have discovered a way to make tiny robots act like a material, mirroring embryonic tissue cells to adjust their structure on command.

Robotics
VIEW MORE