Stephen Hawking 'Very Ill'

UPDATE 4/21: Hawking is said to be "comfortable" and resting at the hospital, while his family looks forward to a "full recovery."

The mathematician Stephen Hawking was rushed to a hospital after fighting a chest infection for several weeks. He is said to be "very ill" by a spokesman at Cambridge University. Hawking is known for his research on black holes and his book "A Brief History of Time," aimed at the popular audience. He has for years been almost entirely paralized due to the incurable Lou Gehrig's disease. He is 67.

In our new Etc. format, LiveScience provides links to articles of interest around the web. It is in Beta.

For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.