Science News
Will A.I. Kill Us? Can It Hack My Bank Account? Your A.I. Questions Answered
Nearly 1,000 readers sent us their questions about artificial intelligence, its potential and its potential risks.
NASA Telescope Helps Scientists Find a New Type of X-ray Object
The discovery of “hypersoft” X-ray beacons could help solve some mysteries about the universe.
The Next Gene-Editing Technology May Also Be the Oldest
Scientists have discovered a powerful gene-targeting system in viruses. Billions of years old, VIPR seems to predate CRISPR and may be even more effective.
Toxic Fracking Waste Becoming a Political Issue in Ohio
The Democratic candidate for governor backed restrictions on disposal of fracking wastewater around a hard-hit town, and called for a “thorough investigation” of the dangers.
This Rare Gene Drastically Raises Lung Cancer Risk in People Who Never Smoked
The gene is found predominantly in Southern Appalachia and may be one of the most powerful cancer-risk mutations ever found.
What Happens When A.I. Stops Doing What Humans Want?
“Alignment” is the science of teaching A.I. to do what is in line with human preferences, ethics and judgment. But, at times, the systems have gone rogue.
A Feather Found in Dinosaur Poop Might Explain How Birds Beat Extinction
It’s the only example of a dinosaur-era feather found within rock that wasn’t completely flattened through the centuries.
Scientists Overhaul Giant Particle Collider in Search of Universe’s Hidden Building Blocks
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, will dismantle the Large Hadron Collider, which helped discover the so-called God Particle, in order to build a more powerful particle accelerator.
Human-Caused Warming Played ‘Very Strong’ Role in Himalayan Floods, Report Finds
Rising temperatures contributed to the disaster by destabilizing the permafrost and ice around the collapsed rock, scientists concluded.
Trump Administration Moves to Gut a Core Endangered Species Protection
An internal memo reinterprets the law so that only the intentional killing of animals, not collateral harm, is illegal.
Fiji Declares a National Emergency as H.I.V. Cases Skyrocket
Surging drug use has contributed to an epidemic in the Pacific island nation, where one in 60 adults is estimated to be living with the virus.
Microscopic Videos That Show the Invisible Wonders Around Us
The winners of this year’s Nikon Small World in Motion competition showcase the wiggly, feathery, undulating beauty of invisible life.
Microscopic Videos That Show the Invisible Wonders Around Us
The winners of this year’s Nikon Small World in Motion competition showcase the wiggly, feathery, undulating beauty of invisible life.
Rising Seas Are Gobbling Up Beaches Around the World. A.I. Might Restore Them.
An experiment with roots at M.I.T. used A.I. and satellite images to grow a coastline in the Maldives. More projects are planned for Boston and Miami.
T. Rex, King of the Dinosaurs, Had a Body Temperature of 97 Degrees
Hotter than a crocodile, cooler than a chicken, T. Rex was definitely warm-blooded, according to a new study.
Massive Black Holes May Have Started as Little Red Dots
A new simulation suggests little red dots, unusually compact objects seen in photos from space, might be one stage in the evolution of black holes.
Scientists Fuse Human Neurons Into the Brains of Mice
The studies may help reveal the causes of brain disease in people and point the way to treatments. But researchers already are calling for new ethical guidelines.
The Liftoff Scenario That Terrifies A.I. Doomsayers
“Recursive self-improvement” is the idea that artificial intelligence could learn to build and train itself, creating exponential new progress — and risk.
Mothers’ Intrusive Thoughts Are Mostly Benign. Lindsay Clancy’s Case Is an Exception.
Experts say that after childbirth, intrusive thoughts are common and mostly benign. Lindsay Clancy’s story provides a disturbing exception.
Does the Stork’s Return to Britain Restore History or Rewrite It?
Conservationists set up a colony of white storks in southern England, touching off a debate over whether they truly belong there.