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Science

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

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Largest U.S. reservoirs moving in right direction, scientists say

Climate experts caution that the favorable drought maps represent only a blip on the radar as the long-term effects of a stubborn drought persist.
A bathtub ring of light minerals show the high water mark on the shore of Lake Mead along the border of Nevada and Arizona on March 6, 2023, near Boulder City, Nev.
A bathtub ring of light minerals show the high water mark on the shore of Lake Mead along the border of Nevada and Arizona on March 6, 2023, near Boulder City, Nev.

E.U. moves on clean technology: Subsidies up, free market down

To achieve its clean technology and strategic goals, the E.U. is making a major economic turn away from the decades of preaching the hands-off free-market economic gospel.
Thierry Breton holds up raw materials during a media conference at EU headquarters
Thierry Breton holds up raw materials during a media conference at EU headquarters
2d ago

Virgin Orbit, Richard Branson's satellite launch company, to pause operations

The decision follows a tumultuous few months for the California-based company.
A Virgin Orbit aircraft sits on the tarmac at Cornwall Airport Newquay, in Newquay, U.K.
A Virgin Orbit aircraft sits on the tarmac at Cornwall Airport Newquay, in Newquay, U.K.
3d ago

Future NASA moonwalkers will sport sleeker spacesuits

The suits, which will come in a wider range of sizes, will provide greater flexibility and more protection from the moon’s harsh environment.
Image: Axiom Space chief engineer Jim Stein, left, bumps fists with deputy manager for extravehicular activity Russell Ralston while demonstrating a prototype spacesuit on March 15, 2023, in Houston.
Image: Axiom Space chief engineer Jim Stein, left, bumps fists with deputy manager for extravehicular activity Russell Ralston while demonstrating a prototype spacesuit on March 15, 2023, in Houston.

Do-not-eat listing draws lawsuit from Maine lobster industry

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association and other industry groups are suing the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California for defamation.
A lobster rears its claws after being caught off Spruce Head, Maine
A lobster rears its claws after being caught off Spruce Head, Maine

Ohio sues Norfolk Southern over train derailment

The suit asks the court to require that the company pay for future environmental monitoring and to reimburse the state for costs associated with its response.
Portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed Feb. 3, in East Palestine, Ohio, are still on fire on Feb. 4, 2023.
Portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed Feb. 3, in East Palestine, Ohio, are still on fire on Feb. 4, 2023.

Biden's climate targets were already in question — now his ambition is, too

“This decision is a huge step backward,” one environmentalist said. The project calls into doubt whether the Biden administration will be able to reach crucial climate goals.
Climate activists protest the Willow Oil Project outside the U.S. Department of Interior on Nov. 17, 2022, in Washington.
Climate activists protest the Willow Oil Project outside the U.S. Department of Interior on Nov. 17, 2022, in Washington.
7d ago

Four astronauts splash down off Florida coast ending 5-month mission

Less than 19 hours after the astronauts checked out of the space station Saturday, their Dragon capsule was bobbing in the sea as they awaited pickup.
The SpaceX Dragon Endurance spacecraft lands in the Gulf of Mexico on March 11, 2023 off the coast of Tampa, Florida.
The SpaceX Dragon Endurance spacecraft lands in the Gulf of Mexico on March 11, 2023 off the coast of Tampa, Florida.
7d ago

Study finds prostate cancer treatment can wait for most men

The study directly compared three approaches — surgery to remove tumors, radiation treatment and monitoring. Results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
This 1974 microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows changes in cells indicative of adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
This 1974 microscope image made available by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows changes in cells indicative of adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
7d ago

Last-minute aborts thwart launch of world's first 3D-printed rocket

“Based on initial data review, vehicle is healthy. More info to follow on cause of aborts today,” the company said in an update on Twitter.
The Terran 1 rocket on its launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Fla.
The Terran 1 rocket on its launch pad at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Fla.

A giant seaweed bloom that can be seen from space threatens beaches in Florida and Mexico

Seasonal sargassum blooms have exploded in the tropical Atlantic over the past decade and more. This year's is already staggeringly large.
A worker removes sargassum seaweed from the shore of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on May 8, 2019.
A worker removes sargassum seaweed from the shore of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on May 8, 2019.