Science
Coverage of Science in the Nexus archive.
- Earth may survive the sun's death after all, new study suggests
A new study suggests Earth may survive the sun's death. The article is written by Sharmila Kuthunur, an independent space journalist with a master's in journalism from Northeastern University.
- America learned long ago that air-conditioning saves lives. Why does Europe remain so stubborn about it?
America's use of air-conditioning is credited with saving lives during heat waves, while Europe resists adopting similar measures. The article criticizes Europe's stubbornness, arguing ideology is prioritized over scientific evidence.
- Chinese scientists’ brain-mimicking chip ‘up to 478 times faster than Nvidia A100 GPU’
Chinese scientists have developed a brain-mimicking chip capable of modeling complex brain structures in real time, with potential applications in Alzheimer’s disease diagnostics, brain-machine interfaces, and surgical assistance. The chip is reported to be up to 478 times faster than the Nvidia A100 GPU and was developed by researchers from Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
- Scratching that bug bite might feel good at first but science says it’s a bad idea
Scratching a bug bite may provide initial relief but is discouraged by scientific evidence due to potential harm.
- Less than half of Tennessee students are proficient in any school subject, data shows
Less than half of Tennessee students are proficient in any school subject, with over 50% of 3rd through 8th graders not meeting expectations in all tested subjects. High schoolers show similar struggles, particularly in math, where less than one-third are proficient. The Tennessee Department of Education reported modest gains but did not highlight the persistent challenges in student performance.
- Asteroid bombardment may have delayed Earth’s first continents
Research from Curtin University and Queensland University of Technology suggests repeated asteroid impacts during Earth's Hadean era injected heat into the planet's interior, keeping the crust hot and unstable. This delayed the formation of stable continents by preventing the crust from solidifying, according to a study published in Science.
- How a bacterial survival strategy is changing medicine
Researchers discovered that bacteria use membrane vesicles to transfer proteins between cells, enabling dormant bacteria to survive antibiotic treatments. This resource-pooling strategy, observed in Escherichia coli, explains why some bacteria persist despite medication and could improve antibiotic development.
- The Bay: Preserving The Future
The Chesapeake Bay, shaped by rivers, wildlife, watermen, farms, and communities, is explored in a documentary that examines its decline, challenges, and restoration efforts. The film combines science, history, and personal stories to highlight the estuary's importance and the work to preserve it.
- Fossils show earliest four-legged animals skipped the tadpole stage
Fossils from Illinois reveal that the earliest four-legged animals hatched as miniature adults without a tadpole stage, challenging long-held assumptions about their life cycle. A study in Science shows these early tetrapods developed directly into adult forms, bypassing the aquatic larval phase seen in modern amphibians.
- 25 things that happen to your body when you stop exercising
The article outlines the physical and mental effects of becoming sedentary, including cardiovascular decline and mood shifts, based on scientific research.
- NYC activists’ carriage-horse threats prove they’ll use any excuse to force a ban
The article criticizes NYC activists for using threats to push for a ban on carriage horses, arguing their opposition is based on politicized bias without scientific or medical evidence.
- America’s compact between science and politics is broken
The article discusses the breakdown of the relationship between science and politics in America, questioning how this situation arose.
- Craig Venter
Craig Venter, a geneticist, gave his final interview where he pointed the way for science. The article describes him as 'swashbuckling'.
- John Urschel
John Urschel, a mathematician and former NFL player, discusses the benefits of having a broad background for young people interested in science.
- Omar Yaghi
Omar Yaghi, a Nobel laureate, discusses how artificial intelligence will transform scientific research methods. The article highlights his insights on AI's potential to reshape the practice of science.
- Ted Budd
Ted Budd, a North Carolina senator, emphasizes the importance of the U.S. maintaining global competitiveness in science and technology.
- Robert Langer
Robert Langer, an M.I.T. professor and expert on innovation, discusses the importance of celebrating science. The article highlights his insights on the value of scientific advancements.
- Gavin Newsom
Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, discusses balancing innovation in an economy driven by science and technology between taking risks and being reckless.
- Michael E. Mann
Michael E. Mann, a climatologist, discusses the challenges facing science in the U.S., stating it is under attack.
- Lucy Jones
Lucy Jones, a well-known seismologist, emphasizes the necessity for the United States to reassess its social commitment to science.
- Chris Boshoff
Chris Boshoff, a Pfizer executive, discusses efforts to revive public enthusiasm for science. The article highlights his focus on rekindling interest in scientific advancements.
- Jonathan Levin
Jonathan Levin, a university president, discusses private funding and the future of science and innovation.
- John Allen Paulos
John Allen Paulos, a prolific mathematician, discusses the role culture plays in understanding and appreciating science.
- How an aspiring actress from Brooklyn stumbled into an astrophysics career at NASA
An aspiring actress from Brooklyn unexpectedly transitioned into an astrophysics career at NASA. Her journey highlights themes of science, failure, and belonging, challenging conventional views on these topics.
- CBSE Class 9 students in Chennai yet to get textbooks for this year
CBSE Class 9 students in Chennai have not yet received their textbooks for this year, though some schools have obtained English and Science books. An NCERT book supplier indicates the situation is expected to improve by next week.
- Paper or pixel? Science settles divisive debate over best way to read — real books or screens
A scientific study addresses the debate over whether reading physical books or digital screens is more effective. The research provides conclusions on the optimal medium for reading comprehension and retention.
- Threads of Earth’s Underground Fungal Networks Are Long Enough to Reach Beyond the Solar System
Researchers have quantified the global length and mass of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal networks, revealing 110 quadrillion kilometers of threads that could stretch a billion times the distance between Earth and the Sun.
- How JPL keeps the 13-year-old Curiosity rover doing science
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory maintains the 13-year-old Curiosity rover on Mars, enabling it to continue conducting scientific research. The article highlights strategies used to keep the rover operational and productive.
- 21 figures who changed history but are rarely taught in school
The article highlights 21 historical figures, such as a medieval Islamic engineer and a Black NASA mathematician, who made significant contributions to science, politics, and human rights but are frequently excluded from school education.
- 15 habits linked to better mental health and the science behind why they work
The article highlights 15 habits consistently associated with better mental health through decades of research, emphasizing their scientific validation as protective factors.
- Wildfire smoke has reversed US progress toward ozone air quality, study finds
A study published in Science found that wildfires since 2015 have reversed U.S. progress toward ozone air quality standards, with wildfire smoke worsening pollution and undoing years of emission reduction efforts. Ground-level ozone is created when pollutants from cars, refineries, and industrial sources react with sunlight.
- Wildfire smoke has reversed US progress toward ozone air quality, study finds
A study published in Science found that wildfires since 2015 have reversed US progress in reducing ozone levels, worsening air quality and public health. Wildfire smoke has increased emissions, undoing years of efforts to cut pollution.
- Bumblebees can spontaneously solve problems, study finds
Bumblebees have demonstrated the ability to spontaneously solve object-manipulation tasks without prior training, according to a new study published in Science. This is the first time such spontaneous problem-solving has been observed in insects, highlighting their capacity for cooperation and social learning.
- Trump war on science hits WA shores
The Trump administration is accused of undermining U.S. leadership advantages through actions affecting science. The article claims these actions have eroded the country's global standing.
- Science reveals people are capable of multitasking — it just requires practice
Science has shown that people can multitask effectively, though it requires practice. An example provided is a businesswoman using a mobile phone while working on a computer.
- USAID shutdown linked to sharp increase in violence across Africa: Research
New research links the shutdown of USAID to increased violence in Africa, with countries receiving significant U.S. aid experiencing armed clashes, protests, and riots after the agency’s dismantling. The findings were published in the Science journal.
- White House plans to vet public grants for ‘American values’ spark broad alarm
The White House has proposed a policy requiring federal grants to align with 'American values' as defined by President Donald Trump, with political appointees overseeing the process. Experts warn this could harm scientific progress and raise concerns about political influence in funding decisions.
- First and last authors more likely to be men in leading science journals
A Nature Index analysis reveals that despite a significant increase in women's participation in science, gender gaps in first and last authorship in leading science journals have remained largely unchanged over the past decade.
- How a new extraction process could unlock the world’s lithium
Researchers developed a new lithium extraction method using weak acid to dissolve silicate minerals, offering a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to current brine and hard-rock mining techniques. A startup, Rock Zero, aims to commercialize the process, which avoids dangerous chemicals like hydrofluoric acid and also recovers alumina and silica.
- How pigeons exploit magnetic fields for navigation
Scientists have identified iron-rich immune cells in the livers of homing pigeons that may help them detect magnetic fields, as reported in a new study published in Science. The research explores three hypotheses for how birds sense Earth's geomagnetic field, including magnetic particles in the beak, voltage-sensitive ion channels, and retinal pigments, though none fully explain the mechanism.