Science News
Trial of Controversial Alzheimer’s Drug Halted After Disappointing Results
Cassava Sciences said that its drug did not significantly reduce cognitive decline in 1,900 people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Squirting Cucumbers Shoot Their Seeds Like Botanical Bombardiers
Scientists say they’ve worked out how the plant can fire its seeds up to almost 40 feet.
Uranus and Neptune May Conceal Vast Oceans of Water
A scientist simulated the contents of the ice giant worlds, and found that a fluid layer may explain each planet’s strange magnetic field.
‘DNA Typewriters’ Can Record a Cell’s History
Labs around the world are trying to turn cells into autobiographers, tracking their own development from embryos to adults.
Great Apes and Tiny Bears: Chasing Wild Thrills in Borneo
This Southeast Asian island, home to some of the world’s strangest and most iconic creatures, is a dream destination for a growing number of “mammal watchers.”
World Seeks an End to Plastic Pollution at Talks in South Korea
Many nations hope to reduce the half a billion tons of plastic made each year. But pushback from plastic and oil producers, and Donald Trump’s election, could scuttle an agreement.
COP29 Climate Talks Get a Deal on Money, but Only After a Fight
The financing plan, which calls for $300 billion per year in support for developing nations, was immediately assailed as inadequate by a string of delegates.
So Many Days Lost at the Doctor’s Office
Medical care can be wearying and time-consuming, especially for seniors. Researchers are beginning to quantify the burdens.
Hundreds More Nazca Lines Emerge in Peru’s Desert
With drones and A.I., researchers managed to double the number of mysterious geoglyphs in a matter of months.
Dr Martin Makary Chosen to Head the FDA
A frequent Fox News commentator, Dr. Makary has a penchant for challenging the medical establishment, and stirred pandemic concerns with his views on Covid immunity and vaccine mandates.
Iran Declares It Is Doing More Nuclear Enrichment After I.A.E.A. Rebuke
With thousands of advanced centrifuges on standby, Tehran says it is now spinning more, which could increase its stockpile of near-bomb-grade atomic fuel.
E.P.A. Proposes Limits on Nitrogen Oxides
Nitrogen oxides, a group of gases from the burning of fossil fuels, is linked to a range of health effects.
Can RFK Jr. Limit Ozempic Access as HHS Chief? Here’s What to Know
President-elect Donald J. Trump is set to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services Department, where he would have limited power over drugs.
Alcohol Deaths Have More Than Doubled in Two Decades, Study Finds
Americans are dying of illnesses related to alcohol at roughly twice the rate seen in 1999.
‘Carl the Collector’ Puts an Autistic Child (Well, Raccoon) in the Lead
Several recent TV series for adults have featured autistic lead characters. A new PBS show looks to expand that trend into children’s programming.
At COP29 Politicians Are Talking About Climate Change. Here’s What’s Happening.
Every month so far has seen floods, fires, smashed heat records or some combination of extreme weather. Little time remains for leaders to agree on what to do about it.
Fin Whale Carcass Washes Ashore in Anchorage, Alaska
Crowds in Anchorage have braved freezing temperatures and slippery ice to see the hulking carcass of a rare fin whale, which washed ashore a few miles from downtown.
At COP29, ‘Sewage Beer’ Is Just Fine
The hoppy pilsner from Singapore, where freshwater is scarce, is part of an effort to promote recycling solutions.
An Asteroid’s Destruction May Have Given Mars Rings, Then Moons
Scientists simulated a situation that may offer an improved explanation for how the Red Planet ended up with small Phobos and tiny Deimos.
Landslides Are a Growing Climate Threat. What Do We Know About The Risks?
Deadly landslides are becoming more common and large amounts of rain are a known trigger. An atmospheric river is dumping rain out West. What you should know about your risk.