Eclipses aren"t just visual spectacles, they are at the heart of scientific efforts to understand distant planets
The total solar eclipse across North America on April 8, 2024, is a stunning and memorable event for everyone in its path. However, eclipses are not just valued for their visual impact, they are at the heart of cutting-edge science......»»
An Old Abstract Field of Math Is Unlocking the Deep Complexity of Spacecraft Orbits
Mathematicians think abstract tools from a field called symplectic geometry might help with planning missions to far-off moons and planets......»»
Unraveling life"s origin: Five key breakthroughs from the past five years
There is still so much we don't understand about the origin of life on Earth......»»
Glow of an exoplanet may be from starlight reflecting off liquid iron
A phenomenon called a "glory" may be happening on a hellishly hot giant planet. Enlarge / Artist impression of a glory on exoplanet WASP-76b. (credit: ESA) Do rainbows exist on distant worlds? Many phenomena that happen.....»»
Are carbon-capture models effective?
Reforestation efforts to restock depleted forests are important for addressing climate change and for both capturing and restoring carbon from the Earth's atmosphere. These types of solutions to mitigate carbon emissions are critical after 2023 prove.....»»
Microsoft ties executive pay to security following multiple failures and breaches
Microsoft has been criticized for "preventable" failures and poor communication. Enlarge / A PC running Windows 11. (credit: Microsoft) It's been a bad couple of years for Microsoft's security and privacy efforts. Miscon.....»»
We still don’t understand how one human apparently got bird flu from a cow
A genetic analysis and case report reveal new insights and big gaps in our knowledge. Enlarge / Holstein dairy cows in a freestall barn. (credit: Getty | ) The US Department of Agriculture this week posted an unpublished.....»»
NASA is helping protect tigers, jaguars, and elephants—here"s how
As human populations grow, habitat loss threatens many creatures. Mapping wildlife habitat using satellites is a rapidly expanding area of ecology, and NASA satellites play a crucial role in these efforts. Tigers, jaguars, and elephants are a few of.....»»
Lego-pushing bumblebees reveal insect collaboration dynamics
A new study reveals that cooperation by bumblebees isn't simply a result of accumulated individual efforts. Rather, these miniature-brained creatures are not just hard-working pollinators, but also show signs of being master collaborators......»»
Researchers develop "founding document" on synthetic cell development
Cells are the fundamental units of life, forming the variety of all living things on Earth as individual cells and multicellular organisms. To better understand how cells perform the essential functions of life, scientists have begun developing synth.....»»
Team evaluates agricultural management practices in new nitrous oxide accounting method
As greenhouse gases go, nitrous oxide (N2O) is a doozy. With a global warming potential 273 times that of carbon dioxide, mitigating N2O could make a big difference. But before mitigation can happen, it's important to understand where the compound is.....»»
James Webb observes extremely hot exoplanet with 5,000 mph winds
Astronomers using the James Webb telescope have modeled the weather on a distant exoplanet, revealing winds whipping around at speeds of 5,000 miles per hour......»»
Deeper understanding of malaria parasite sexual development unlocks opportunities to block disease spread
For the first time, the developmental stages of the deadliest human malaria parasite have been mapped in high resolution, allowing researchers to understand this ever-adapting adversary in more detail than previously possible......»»
Webb telescope probably didn"t find life on an exoplanet—yet
Recent reports of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope finding signs of life on a distant planet understandably sparked excitement. A new study challenges this finding, but also outlines how the telescope might verify the presence of the life-produced g.....»»
Morocco"s farming revolution: Defying drought with science
In the heart of sun-soaked Morocco, scientists are cultivating a future where tough crops defy a relentless drought, now in its sixth year......»»
TOI-837 b is a young Saturn-sized exoplanet with a massive core, observations find
European astronomers have performed photometric and spectroscopic observations of a distant giant exoplanet known as TOI-837 b. As a result, they found that TOI-837 b is a young Saturn-sized planet containing a massive core, which challenges current.....»»
Why do male chicks play more than females? Study finds answers in distant ancestor
Play is widespread, but far from ubiquitous, across the animal kingdom. Especially common in mammals, play is also known to occur in taxa as diverse as birds, fish, octopuses, and even insects. But what is its function, given that natural selection n.....»»
Fallout 5: release date speculation, rumors, and news
Ready for another Wasteland adventure? Fallout 5 isn't close to release, but we aren't completely in the dark. Here's what we know about the next Fallout game......»»
New work reveals the "quantumness" of gravity
Gravity is part of our everyday life. Still, the gravitational force remains mysterious: to this day we do not understand whether its ultimate nature is geometrical, as Einstein envisaged, or governed by the laws of quantum mechanics......»»
Study finds distinct patterns lead to domestic partner homicide
A new study has explored the complex patterns which lead to an intimate partner homicide (IPH), in an effort to better understand and prevent the tragic event happening......»»
NASA balloons head north of Arctic Circle for long-duration flights
NASA is set to begin launch operations mid-May for the 2024 Sweden Long-Duration Scientific Balloon Campaign. Four stadium-sized, scientific balloons carrying science missions and technology demonstrations are scheduled to lift off from Swedish Space.....»»