Has a huge blob of dark matter been found in our galactic neighborhood?
If confirmed, vast cloud could test predictions about the Milky Way’s hidden architecture
River turbulence can push toxic pollutants into the air
Toxic pollutants from a Southern California river are infiltrating the air. Polluted water surging along a turbulent section of the Tijuana River in San Diego can release toxic gases, including …
Scientists fear the Atlantic’s great ocean conveyor could shut down
Under high-emission scenarios, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a key system of ocean currents that also includes the Gulf Stream, could shut down after the year 2100. This is …
The best new science fiction books of September 2025 by authors including Cixin Liu and John Scalzi
In Mason Coile’s Exiles, a human crew arrive on Mars Shutterstock/Gorodenkoff There are some sci-fi heavy hitters with new novels out this month, from Cixin Liu and Stephen Baxter to …
Trust in elections rises after ‘inoculations’ meant to preempt false fraud claims
New U.S.-Brazil study points to ways of countering election misinformation, political scientists say
A Mars rock analysis tool proved its mettle on a chance find from Arizona
McKenzie Prillaman is a science and health journalist based in Washington, DC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in science …
How long can one RSV shot protect seniors? Study shows surprising two-year shield
One shot of an RSV vaccine protects adults ages 60 or older from RSV-associated hospitalization and critical illness during two consecutive RSV seasons, according to a study published in JAMA on …
The crucial role of chaos in our brain’s most extraordinary functions
Think back through your day and consider all the amazing tasks your brain has helped you perform. From brushing your teeth to eating your lunch and reading the words on …
Stalagmites reveal devastating droughts that helped spur Maya breakdown
Series of droughts chronicled in cave rocks likely pushed civilization to breaking point
A newborn planet munches on gas and dust surrounding its host star
In a first, astronomers imaged a baby planet within a gap in the disk of material around a star, confirming predictions about how rings form.