SCIENCE Spotlight
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Science SpotlightClimate change will triple the number of days over 105 F in the US. The health impacts will be dire.Extreme heat will become more common as the climate continues to warm. That will affect almost every facet of our health.
By Stephanie Pappas Published -
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Science spotlightWhat the US could learn from Japan's incentive for responsible antibiotic useThe Japanese government incentivizes doctors to avoid prescribing antibiotics for certain ailments, but would the same approach work in the U.S.?
By Nicoletta Lanese Published -
Science Spotlight'They didn't question it': Why doctors prescribe too many antibioticsPediatricians in both the U.S. and Japan tend to prescribe antibiotics too often, although the doctors are now improving their track record. What's behind this tendency?
By Nicoletta Lanese Published -
Science SpotlightJapan's bold experiment to curb antibiotic misuse has been a huge success. Could it work in the US?A unique policy in Japan encourages doctors to improve their antibiotic use and thus reduce their contribution to antibiotic resistance. Should the U.S. be taking notes?
By Nicoletta Lanese Published 4 Comments -
Science Spotlight'If there's any country that will do it, it's China': Why is China diverting some of the world's mightiest rivers thousands of miles?People in China's northern megacities have 74 times less fresh water than the average American — so the Chinese government has built the world's largest water diversion project, with the most ambitious and dangerous route still to come.
By James Price Published 3 Comments
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Neanderthals'More Neanderthal than human': How DNA from our long-lost ancestors affects our health todayNeanderthals and humans mated millennia ago, and their legacy lives on in us today. Here's how.
By Emily Cooke Published 12 Comments -
Space ExplorationTractor beams inspired by sci-fi are real, and could solve the looming space junk problemResearchers are developing a real-life tractor beam, with the goal of pulling defunct satellites out of geostationary orbit to alleviate the space junk problem.
By Harry Baker Published 3 Comments -
OrcasOrcas are adopting terrifying new behaviors. Are they getting smarter?From sinking boats and feasting on shark livers to dining on whale tongue and tossing porpoises around for fun, orcas are displaying some fascinating — and sometimes terrifying — behaviors.
By Sascha Pare Published 8 Comments -
Human EvolutionWe now know much more about how our ancestor 'Lucy' lived — and diedFifty years after a fossil skeleton of Australopithecus afarensis was unearthed in Ethiopia, we know so much more about how this iconic species lived and died.
By Kristina Killgrove Published -
Space ExplorationInterstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is rapidly moving away from us. Can we 'intercept' it before it leaves us forever?3I/ATLAS has passed its closest point to Earth, meaning we will soon lose sight of it for good. Some scientists want to send a spacecraft to chase down the alien comet — or the next interstellar object.
By Harry Baker Published 2 Comments -
MathematicsAI is solving 'impossible' math problems. Can it best the world's top mathematicians?AI is making gains in solving pure math problems. Can it crack the hardest problems in mathematics?
By Kit Yates Published -
GeologyEarth's crust hides enough 'gold' hydrogen to power the world for tens of thousands of years, emerging research suggestsReservoirs of hydrogen gas that form naturally in Earth's crust could help humans decarbonize. The challenge now is finding these accumulations and working out how best to mine them, experts say.
By Sascha Pare Published 20 Comments -
GeologyA huge helium shortage is looming — but ancient rocks in Earth's crust may be hiding massive reservoirsFor decades, helium has been produced with natural gas, generating huge carbon emissions. Now, geologists are looking for new helium sources — and finding enormous "carbon-free" reservoirs that could revolutionize the industry.
By Sascha Pare Published 6 Comments -
InsectsA looming 'insect apocalypse' could endanger global food supplies. Can we stop it before it's too late?Insect populations are in steep decline, which could endanger the food supply. But there are things we can do to reverse the trend.
By Joanna Thompson Published 18 Comments
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