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Science

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

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Military must focus on short- and long-term challenges of climate change, report finds

A Rand Corp. study maps out the various ways climate change will impact the military's personnel, equipment, facilities, supply chain and ability to engage with allies and partners.
Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael
Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael
3d ago

Multivitamins may help slow loss of memory as people get older

Those who took a daily Centrum Silver pill over a period of three years had better memories than those who received a placebo treatment, new research found.
White pills and capsules on white background.
White pills and capsules on white background.

States hit with unusually wet winters now brace for an unpredictable wildfire season

Many factors determine the dynamic of a fire season. While it might seem like a wet winter would play a dramatic role, experts say it’s easy to overstate its influence. 
A wildfire burns a section of forest in the Grande Prairie district of Alberta, Canada on May 6, 2023.
A wildfire burns a section of forest in the Grande Prairie district of Alberta, Canada on May 6, 2023.

Scientists are puzzled by Orcas sinking boats in a string of abnormal attacks

A string of incidents since 2020 prompted one scientist to say the attacks may indicate that the whales are intending to cause damage to sailing vessels. Others are more skeptical.
Killer whales, transient type. Breaching.Orcinus orca.Photographed in Monterey Bay, Pacific Ocean, California, USA.
Killer whales, transient type. Breaching.Orcinus orca.Photographed in Monterey Bay, Pacific Ocean, California, USA.

San Francisco's Coit Tower, Twitter HQ and thousands of other buildings may be at risk of a severe quake

A draft list of San Francisco concrete buildings reveals properties that the city says could be vulnerable to earthquakes and may need costly upgrades.
Collage of Coit Tower and Twitter HQ in San Francisco
Collage of Coit Tower and Twitter HQ in San Francisco

Three states agree to reduce water usage so the Colorado River doesn't go dry

A new plan would conserve at least 3 million acre-feet of water by 2026 in an effort to ensure the crucial waterway continues to generate power and provide drinking water.
Boats docked along the shores of the Colorado River forming Lake Mead  April 15, 2023 in Boulder City, Nev.
Boats docked along the shores of the Colorado River forming Lake Mead  April 15, 2023 in Boulder City, Nev.
6d ago

NASA has sights set on Mars with help from a nuclear rocket engine

A conventional spacecraft powered by burning liquid fuel typically takes around seven or eight months to reach the red planet. Scientists have said nuclear rocket engines could shave off at least a third of that time.
Artist concept of Demonstration for Rocket to Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) spacecraft, which will demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine.
Artist concept of Demonstration for Rocket to Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO) spacecraft, which will demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine.

In the Amazon, Brazilian ecologists try new approach against deforestation and poverty

The goal is ambitious — counter the forces that have destroyed 10% of the forest in less than four decades and create something that can be replicated in other parts of the Amazon.
A family prepares food at a home in Lago Serrado
A family prepares food at a home in Lago Serrado

Extreme weather has killed 2 million people over past half century, U.N. says

The World Meteorological Organization tallied nearly 12,000 extreme weather, climate and water-related events over the past half-century that caused economic damage of $4.3 trillion.
Extreme weather has killed 2 million people over past half century, U.N. says
Extreme weather has killed 2 million people over past half century, U.N. says
8d ago

Black astronaut says lunar mission will be 'major accomplishment' in American history

Victor Glover is part of a four-member crew that will orbit the moon in NASA’s Artemis II mission, scheduled for November 2024.
Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansenr
Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansenr

Wildfires rip across Canada as heat wave smashes temperature records

The early-season heat and wildfires set the stage for a long, smoky summer in western Canada, where seasonal and long-term forecasts predict more heat.
In this photo provided by the Government of Alberta, Canada, the Eagle Wildfire burns, Saturday, May 13, 2023. Wildfire officials in Alberta say hot, dry and windy weather has pushed fire conditions even further into the extreme in the province's north this weekend, and the situation in the south is now a growing concern.
In this photo provided by the Government of Alberta, Canada, the Eagle Wildfire burns, Saturday, May 13, 2023. Wildfire officials in Alberta say hot, dry and windy weather has pushed fire conditions even further into the extreme in the province's north this weekend, and the situation in the south is now a growing concern.