Science
The world’s bananas are at risk. A volcanic island might protect them.Cavendish bananas are under threat from a fungus that has wiped out other varieties. The island of Tenerife may have the conditions to protect them.
NASA astronauts’ return is near. Their long, unlikely trip puts focus on resilience.An eight-day mission for two astronauts to the International Space Station turned into nine months. NASA crews work to prepare for unforeseen events like this.
US science funding was a bipartisan priority. Now it’s a target of federal cuts.The Trump administration aims to overhaul publicly funded science. Critics say cuts could undermine U.S. leadership that has fueled significant advancements.
Earth’s green evolution gave rise to everything from dinosaurs to dandelionsPaleontologist Riley Black traces the cooperation among plants, animals, and ecosystems in “When the Earth Was Green.”
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How four women physicists escaped the Nazis, but lost their life’s work“Sisters in Science” tells of the rise of female scientists in 1930s Germany – some of whom were Jewish – whose careers were ended by Adolf Hitler.
China’s DeepSeek impresses. But is a ‘fast follow’ good enough in AI?China’s success with AI tool DeepSeek is giving U.S. markets a reality check. But it’s too early to say that American AI leaders will be eclipsed.
First LookNvidia unveils new products from supercharged graphics chip to AI that trains robotsChipmaker and AI leader Nvidia revealed its most advanced consumer graphics processor unit, its first desktop computer, and artificial intelligence to better train robots and cars.
Solar panels in space show potential for liftoff, despite cost concernsTechnological advances mean space-based solar panels are edging closer to reality. Cost is the biggest hurdle.
First LookAre the Boeing astronauts actually stuck in space? Nope. ‘Living in space is super fun.’Boeing’s new Starliner astronauts have had to combat rumors about their health and saftey after a forced extended stay on the International Space Station. However, the pair has taken the challenge in stride. “Mindset does go a long way,” said Butch Wilmore.
Cover StoryMoody chickens? Playful bumblebees? Science decodes the rich inner lives of animals.New science shows that farm animals and other creatures exhibit signs of conscious experience. How should this make us see them – and ourselves?
First LookA week ago, Tesla showcased futuristic robotaxis. Then a pedestrian got hit.One week after Tesla unveiled prototype robotaxis and promised fully autonomous vehicles by 2026, the company is once again under investigation. Tesla has twice recalled its “Full Self-Driving” system in the past after cars ignored stop signs and hurt pedestrians.
NASA launches its biggest space probe to find if life can exist on Jupiter moonPlanetary geologist Erin Leonard of NASA talks about the Europa Clipper mission – and how to see if the icy moon of Jupiter has conditions required to support life.
FocusSpaceX has Texas-scale ambitions in the sky. But they’re creating tensions on Earth.SpaceX achieved a first Sunday by returning its Super Heavy booster rocket safely to rest in the launch tower. Among Texas locals, concerns about environmental impacts are matched by enthusiasm for space industry innovation.
First LookThey won a Nobel prize for their work on AI. Here’s why, and how they see AI’s future.A Canadian and American researcher jointly won the Nobel Prize for physics by building the foundation of modern AI study. Geoffrey Hinton lauded the potential benefits of AI, predicting another “Industrial Revolution,” but still has worries.
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The ExplainerSo, how do you know if a country is in a constitutional crisis?
Waste not, want not? How Massachusetts became the only state to reduce food waste.
In Syria, Palestinians’ war-shattered camp is a ruin. But it’s home.
In Syria’s terrorized Alawite region, competing narratives, mutual suspicions
How Jackie Robinson’s legacy survived attempts to erase it
