Science News
Richard Tapia, Mathematician Who Pushed to Diversify His Field, Dies at 88
A math whiz as a young man, he later blazed trails, both with his theoretical advances and his advocacy for minority students.
Trump’s FEMA Nominee Calls Staff Cuts a ‘Challenge’ for Disaster Agency
Cameron Hamilton, who briefly led the agency on an acting basis last year but was fired for contradicting the president, also said he would get money out to states faster.
A Deadly Outbreak of Plague, Nearly 5,000 Years Before the Black Death
The oldest known cases, discovered among hunter-gatherers in Siberian graves, contradict the theory that the disease once was mild.
D.O.J. Seeks to Halt Pollution Lawsuit Against Elon Musk’s Data Center
The department cited national security concerns, saying Elon Musk’s company had played a crucial role in the Iran war. It also argued it has the authority to stop environmental lawsuits brought by citizens.
New Coral Study Identifies Areas Where Reefs Are Hanging On
New research has identified areas around the world where cooler currents and other favorable conditions are helping to protect coral from the worst effects of global warming.
How an Addictive Gas Station Drug Found Allies in Trump’s Cabinet
With support from Markwayne Mullin and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the kratom industry is pursuing a potentially lucrative policy. Mr. Mullin owns equity in a company that could benefit.
Algae Is Turning the Reflecting Pool Green. Again.
Algal blooms have hit the site, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, after a $14.2 million repair project.
How Does One Brain Speak Two Languages?
A new study of bilingual speakers suggests that a single “grammatical engine” in the brain can power multiple languages at once.
Kennedy Seeks to Expedite Appeal of Ruling That Blocked His Vaccine Policies
The health secretary is trying to restart the work of a panel that advises the government on vaccines, after a judge froze its decisions and prevented it from meeting.
Tensions Are Rising Between States That Rely on the Colorado River
A prolonged drought means the nation’s largest reservoirs are dwindling, and litigation over access to water could lie ahead.
The Secrets of a Soccer-Turf Master
John Sorochan, a turf scientist at the University of Tennessee, has led the yearslong, multimillion-dollar effort to develop perfect playing fields for the 2026 World Cup.
What NASA Needs to Stay on Track for the Moon
The agency gave a rosy update on Artemis III, a test flight for its goal to return humans to the moon, but experts say the timeline is ambitious.
What NASA Needs to Stay on Track for the Moon
The agency gave a rosy update on Artemis III, a test flight for its goal to return humans to the moon, but experts say the timeline is ambitious.
The Scientific Quest for Perfect World Cup Pitch
Every match must be played on natural grass that gives players as consistent a surface as possible, no matter the venue. Cue the years of sod studies.
Can the Artemis III Mission Go on as Planned?
NASA has chosen four astronauts for the Artemis III mission, but there has been a major setback: the destruction of a Blue Origin rocket and its only launchpad. Our science reporter Katrina Miller describes what this event might mean for the U.S. goal of landing on the moon by 2028.
NASA Leader Responds to Criticism Over All-Male Artemis III Crew
NASA’s missions these days rarely feature all-male crews. Jared Isaacman, its administrator, said women play prominent roles throughout the space agency.
SpaceX’s Unlikely Journey From Far-Out Idea to $2 Trillion Juggernaut
Elon Musk said he had initially given SpaceX less than a 10 percent chance of succeeding. His rocket company has come a long way.
26-Year Mystery of a Skeleton in a Tent Ends With DNA Identification
Remains of the man, Joseph Louis Serrao, Jr., discovered in a remote area in Olympic National Park in 2000, were identified using forensic genealogy.
Scientists Race to Test Treatments as Ebola Outbreak Widens
Trials are beginning on several drugs that have shown promise in preliminary studies against the virus that is causing the current outbreak.
Neil Shubin on Trusted Science in a ‘Deeply Partisan Age’
An eminent fossil hunter takes the reins at the National Academy of Sciences in a turbulent moment for American researchers.