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Science

The latest science news, photos and videos covering space, the environment, human development and more.


In case you missed it

As hundreds of earthquakes shake Iceland, authorities warn of a 'high likelihood' of volcanic eruption

The Icelandic Meteorological Office has been closely monitoring the rumblings of a volcano under the Reykjanes Peninsula.
A member of the emergency services walks near a crack cutting across the main road in Grindavik, Iceland on Nov. 13, following earthquakes.
A member of the emergency services walks near a crack cutting across the main road in Grindavik, Iceland on Nov. 13, following earthquakes.

Taylor Swift concert runs into brutal Brazilian heat wave

Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology was warning of “great danger” over the weekend as a ridge of high pressure remains parked over the region.
brazil brasil heatwave
brazil brasil heatwave

Months without sunlight: how one woman survives the darkness

Cecilia Blomdahl lives on the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, where she creates content about "polar night," a nearly three-month period with almost no sunlight.
Cecilia Blomdahl at her home in Svalbard, one of the northernmost inhabited areas in the world, on Nov. 1, 2023 at 9 a.m.
Cecilia Blomdahl at her home in Svalbard, one of the northernmost inhabited areas in the world, on Nov. 1, 2023 at 9 a.m.
6d ago

SpaceX's Starship achieves liftoff and separation, but 'mishap' results in loss of rocket

The rocket successfully lifted off and achieved separation, but it's not yet clear what may have triggered the spacecraft's automated termination system.
a rocket ascends into the sky amidst smoke from the launch
a rocket ascends into the sky amidst smoke from the launch

Warmer winters mean more tick bites and Lyme disease risk year-round

Being bitten by an adult tick in winter could mean you or your precious pet are at a higher risk of being infected with Lyme disease, experts say.
Infected female deer tick on hairy human skin.
Infected female deer tick on hairy human skin.

After successful liftoff and separation, SpaceX loses touch with Starship

One SpaceX official said an automated termination system onboard Starship was likely triggered, and the spacecraft appeared to have detonated.
A rocket ship flies through a blue sky.
A rocket ship flies through a blue sky.
8d ago

SpaceX clears final hurdle for second Starship test flight

The Federal Aviation Administration granted the company a launch license that had been held up after its initial test ended in a fiery explosion.
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket

Scientists say Earth on track for disastrous sea level rise

A new report details that ice sheets are melting quicker than expected and that the world will need to ramp up its climate efforts to avert disastrous sea level rise.
global warming ice glacier melting
global warming ice glacier melting

Leonid meteor shower peaks this weekend: How to see the shooting stars

While not the most active meteor shower of the year, the Leonids can still produce around 15 shooting stars per hour under clear conditions.
 Leonids meteor streaks across the sky in Ankara, Turkey on Nov. 17, 2020.
 Leonids meteor streaks across the sky in Ankara, Turkey on Nov. 17, 2020.

Global decline in male fertility linked to common pesticides

Scientists have spent decades trying to untangle puzzling questions over falling sperm concentrations. A new analysis of 25 studies of pesticides shows a clear connection, researchers say.
A tractor spraying crops.
A tractor spraying crops.

Global heat deaths could quadruple if action is not taken on climate change, study finds

A new study from The Lancet medical journal projects that global warming will create food insecurity for almost 525 million people.
Image: A Phoenix resident rests under shade while seeking protection from the sun and heat at the Human Services Campus during a record heat wave in Phoenix on July 18, 2023.
Image: A Phoenix resident rests under shade while seeking protection from the sun and heat at the Human Services Campus during a record heat wave in Phoenix on July 18, 2023.