
What is a supervolcano? The answer isn't so simple.
Supervolcanoes are defined by their ability to produce supereruptions — explosions of more than 240 cubic miles of volcanic material. But scientists disagree on how useful the term is.
By Robert Lea published
The James Webb Space Telescope's discovery of water and other molecules in the inner region of a hot protoplanetary disk suggests that rocky, Earth-like planets may be able to form in some very extreme environments.
By Harry Baker published
Shortly after lifting off from Florida, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket flew through clouds of ice crystals, temporarily creating a bright halo of light that appeared to surround the full moon.
By Emily Cooke published
An early trial suggests that deep brain stimulation could treat cognitive impairment associated with traumatic brain injury.
By Carys Matthews published
Jonathan, the world's oldest tortoise, has turned 191, living through 40 U.S. presidents and 31 St. Helena governors.
By Patrick Pester published
DNA from a supposed Abominable Snowman actually came from a horse, but that doesn't mean stories of the Yeti passed on by local people aren't important.
By Harry Baker published
Scientists have scanned the mummified remains of a supposed "mermaid" from Japan. The initial results suggest it is a horrifying mix of fish, monkey and lizard parts.
By Ben Turner published
A weird phenomenon in which electricity flows like water was spotted in a nanowire made of "strange metal" — a bizarre metal phase that has stumped physicists for 40 years.
By Keith Cooper published
If dark matter is made from "dark" versions of the basic building blocks of ordinary matter, the world's largest particle accelerator should be able to pin it down, a new study suggests.
By Anna Demming published
Scientists suspect that type-Be 'vampire' stars grow by preying on their smaller companions. New research suggests there may be an important third player in these systems.
By Hannah Loss published
Why does ice float in water, instead of sinking to the bottom? It has to do with water's density and molecular structure.
By Keumars Afifi-Sabet published
Today's infrared lasers are only powerful enough to disable aerial targets, but scientists now have the keys to building high-powered laser weaponry that can 'melt' distant targets.