Air Canada suspends restart plans after union defies return to work order
By The Associated Press TORONTO — Air Canada said it suspended plans to restart operations on Sunday after the union representing 10,000 flight attendants said it will defy a return to work order. The strike was already affecting about 130,000 travelers around the world per day during the peak summer travel season. The Canada Industrial […]
Scientific American Is Older Than the Discovery of Neptune
The UniverseFridays One Year after Scientific American’s First Issue, the Solar System Grew by a Planet Neptune’s discovery was a race that ended not long after this magazine came to be By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings The planet Neptune, as seen by NASA’s Voyager 2 probe during a flyby in August of 1989. […]
Cosmic Tornado from Star’s Birth Whirls in Dazzling JWST Image
Cosmic Tornado from Star’s Birth Whirls in Dazzling JWST Image This telescope has revealed the whipped-up dust from the birth of a star—and a shining background galaxy—more clearly than ever before By Gayoung Lee edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! When a star is born, the process leaves behind a […]
Vibrio pectenicida Identified as Cause of Sea Star Wasting Disease Affecting Billions
Mysterious Illness Decimating Sea Stars Finally Identified A devastating bacterium has decimated populations of sunflower sea stars, predators that play a crucial role in their environment By Andrea Tamayo edited by Andrea Gawrylewski A giant sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) walks across the reef underwater in Point Dume State Beach, California. Join Our Community of Science […]
What Are Light Echoes, and Why Do They Matter?
The UniverseFridays Echoes of Light Illuminate the Cosmos Bizarre phenomena called light echoes create strange, shifting shapes seen in some telescopic images, and help astronomers chart the heavens above By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in February 2004, this image is part of a sequence showing the celestial […]
What Gives Christmas Trees Their Crisp, Cozy Scent?
What Gives Christmas Trees Their Crisp, Cozy Scent? Learn which molecules are responsible for giving Christmas trees their distinct, crisp-yet-spicy scent By Meghan Bartels edited by Lauren J. Young Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Nothing smells quite like a Christmas tree—but where does that magical woodsy-yet-cozy aroma come from? You can thank a ubiquitous…
Emma Roberts Shares Rare Photos of Lookalike Son on His 4th Birthday
Emma Roberts marked her and Garrett Hedlund’s son Rhodes birthday with a sweet series of photos. See the cute pics. Emma Roberts is celebrating another year around the sun for her baby boy. The American Horror Story: Delicate actress marked her and Garrett Hedlund’s son Rhodes 4th birthday with a series of sweet pictures. Showcasing…
Tech Stereotypes Discourage Girls from Computing and Engineering as Early as Age 6
Opinion Why Six-Year-Olds Think Computing and Engineering Are ‘for Boys’ Early cultural exposure can influence kids’ ideas about gender and STEM in significant ways By David Miller edited by Daisy Yuhas Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos—men dominate the tech industry. In 2021 men made up 75 percent of employed computer scientists and…
Why Billie Lourd Is “Griefful” on Anniversary of Carrie Fisher Death
On the eighth anniversary of Carrie Fisher’s death, her daughter Billie Lourd got candid about how the Star Wars actress inspires her to take nothing for granted. The holidays are always a bittersweet time for Billie Lourd. Nearly a decade after her mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 60, the Scream Queens star—who shares son Kingston,…
Bird Flu Has Spread Out of Control after Mistakes by U.S. Government and Industry
How the U.S. Lost Control of Bird Flu, Setting the Stage for Another Pandemic As the bird flu virus moved into cows and people, sluggish federal action, deference to industry and neglect for worker safety put the country at risk By Amy Maxmen & KFF Health News Cows are milked at the Cornell Teaching Dairy…
Nick Cannon Shares How He Spent Christmas 2024 With His Kids
Nick Cannon—who is dad to 12 kids—dressed up as Santa Claus while celebrating Christmas with Abby De La Rosa and their three children: twins Zion and Zillion, 3, as well as daughter Beautiful, 2. As dad to 12 kids, Nick Cannon is busy spreading holiday cheer. In fact, the Masked Singer host played the part of…
Ancient Moon Melt Event May Explain 150-Million-Year Gap in Age Estimates
Ancient Moon Melt Event May Explain 150-Million-Year Gap in Age Estimates The moon may have melted 4.35 billion years ago—explaining a lunar age mystery By Payal Dhar edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! The moon is Earth’s closest neighbor in space and the only extraterrestrial body humans have visited. Yet…
Rapper OG Maco Dead at 32
OG Maco’s family shared Dec. 27 that the Georgia rapper has died, two weeks after being hospitalized. After holding out hope he might recover, OG Maco‘s family had to say goodbye. The “U Guessed It” rapper, born Benedict Ihesiba Jr., has died, according to a statement posted to his Instagram account Dec. 27. He was 32.…
Run, Lucy, Run! Human Ancestors Could Jog but Not Very Far or Fast
Run, Lucy, Run! Human Ancestors Could Jog but Not Very Far or Fast Three-dimensional models of Australopithecus afarensis hint at the muscular adaptations that made modern humans better runners By Gemma Conroy & Nature magazine A sculptor’s rendering of the hominid Australopithecus afarensis is displayed as part of an exhibition that includes the 3.2 million year old…
Paul Bamba, Boxing Champion Managed by Ne-Yo, Dead at 35
Ne-Yo said he’s “heartbroken” by the death of Paul Bamba—a professional boxer he manages—at age 35: “He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.” The boxing world has lost a champion. Paul Bamba, one of the first boxers to sign with Ne-Yo‘s management company, died at age 35. “It…
How Feminism Can Guide Climate Change Action
Opinion How Feminism Can Guide Climate Change Action Feminism gives us the analysis, tools and movement to create a better climate future for everyone. It’s time to embrace it By Laura Turquet, Silke Staab & Brianna Howell edited by Megha Satyanarayana This year is projected to be the hottest on record. The latest United Nations…
11 Stylish Work Bags for the Office
From backpacks to totes, these work bags are equal parts fashionable and functional. The products featured in this article are from brands available in NBCUniversal Checkout. E! makes a commission on purchases. If you go into the office for work, you probably carry around a bunch of essentials to get you through your day. That could…
Reviewing the Climate, Health and Tech Stories We Covered in 2024
The Climate, Health and Tech Stories We’re Following in 2025 We’re closing out the year with a roundup of the science stories that stood out to our editors in 2024. By Rachel Feltman, Andrea Thompson, Tanya Lewis, Ben Guarino & Fonda Mwangi Rachel Feltman: Happy Monday, listeners! For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman.…
Double Down on the Cast of Las Vegas Then and Now
It’s been 21(!) years since NBC rolled the dice on Las Vegas and viewers were rewarded with five seasons of drama, beautiful people, celeb cameos galore and high-stakes shenanigans. It’s been a lucky 21 years since NBC took a gamble on Las Vegas. The soapy prime-time drama starred Josh Duhamel as Danny, a former Marine…
The World’s Smallest Pasta Is Not Very Tasty
Chemists Seeking Better Bandages Make World’s Smallest Pasta Researchers seeking better bandages are creating extremely thin fibers of starch By Ben Guarino edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier A bowl of plain noodles (a strand of the world’s tiniest pasta, not pictured, is invisible). Join Our Community of Science Lovers! The skinniest pasta yet made—let’s call…
Stassi Schroeder Accidentally Stabbed in the Face by Daughter, 3
Stassi Schroeder’s husband Beau Clark shared a hilarious video of their 3-year-old daughter Hartford whacking her mom in the face with a broom during a very spirited Wicked sing-along. Stassi Schroeder may be pumping the brakes on her family sing-alongs after a recent accident. The Vanderpump Rules alum was left with a busted lip after…
Americans Are Moody, and Pollsters Should Pay Attention
Opinion Americans Are Moody, and Pollsters Should Pay Attention The full potential of public opinion polling lies in its ability to illuminate deeper societal trends beyond electoral forecasts By Jennifer Benz In April 2021 the first media poll to measure a possible 2024 electoral match-up between President Joe Biden and former president Trump was commissioned…
Why Dua Lipa and Callum Turner Are Sparking Engagement Rumors
Dua Lipa, who is dating Fantastic Beasts actor Callum Turner, raised eyebrows after she was seen wearing a large diamond ring over Christmas. Fans think Dua Lipa and Callum Turner are more than good. In fact, the “Levitating” singer is sparking engagement rumors with the Fantastic Beasts star after she was seen rocking some new…
How Climate Change Could Trigger Earthquakes
How Climate Change Could Trigger Earthquakes Climate change may influence seismic activity as melting glaciers reduce pressure on quake-prone faults By Evan Howell edited by Andrea Thompson North Crestone Creek valley, a U-shaped valley carved by ancient glaciers in Colorado. Southern Colorado’s Sangre De Cristo Mountains jut up abruptly from the flat expanse of the…
Greg Gumbel, Legendary Sports Broadcaster, Dead at 78
Greg Gumbel, longtime CBS Sports broadcaster and older brother of former Today co-anchor Bryant Gumble, has died at the age of 78, his family confirmed Dec. 27. The CBS Sports family is mourning the loss of one of their greatest anchors. Legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel died Dec. 27 at the age of 78, his family…
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Attempts a Record-Breaking Christmas Eve Flyby
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Preps for Record-Breaking Christmas Eve Flyby The Parker Solar Probe will swoop just 6.1 million kilometers above the sun’s surface on Christmas Eve. Scientists are thrilled at what we might learn By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Lee Billings A solar prominence begins to break apart as it towers over the surface…
Comedian Hannah Berner Addresses Her NSFW Blake Lively Joke
Hannah Berner set the record straight on her controversial Blake Lively joke, noting she filmed Netflix’s roast special before the actress’ complaint against It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni. Hannah Berner is hoping any controversy she kicked up ends with her explanation. Netflix‘s end of year special Torching 2024: A Roast of the Year premiered…
Untangling Why Red Wine Causes Headaches
Untangling Why Red Wine Causes Headaches Opt for lighter, cheaper wine to dodge headaches this holiday season By Andrew Waterhouse, Apramita Devi & The Conversation US Some people get headaches after drinking red wine. The following essay is reprinted with permission from The Conversation, an online publication covering the latest research. Medical accounts of red…
Julianne Hough Reacts to Ex Brooks Laich’s Engagement
Julianne Hough had nothing but love for her ex-husband Brooks Laich and his fiancée Katrín Tanja Davíðsdóttir after the couple got engaged on Dec. 16. Julianne Hough is dancing with joy for her ex Brooks Laich. The Dancing With the Stars host had nothing but kind words for the former hockey player—who she was married…
How Rare ‘Alice in Wonderland Syndrome’ Warps Reality
How Rare ‘Alice in Wonderland Syndrome’ Warps Reality Researchers are learning what causes Alice in Wonderland syndrome, a rare neurological condition that can appear to warp bodies, time and reality itself By Allison Parshall edited by Jeanna Bryner An illustration by John Tenniel depicts a scene in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. When Lene was a…
See Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s Steamy Holiday Kiss
Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco turned up the heat while celebrating Christmas and Hanukkah. See the couple’s steamy new PDA pic. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco‘s holiday season has officially been sealed with a kiss. The recently engaged couple rung in Christmas and Hanukkah 2024 with an adorable PDA pic that fans will surely…
A Little Math Can Streamline Holiday Cookie Making
Opinion A Little Math Can Streamline Holiday Cookie Making Making cookies is time- and labor-intensive. Here’s how a little math can make it easier and less wasteful this holiday season By Clara Eugenia Garza-Hume A cookie cutter that creates a tessellation can save time and use up more dough. When our children were little, we…
All the Iconic Kardashian-Jenner Clapbacks That Shut Down the Internet
The Kardashian-Jenners have proven over the years that they are queens of clapbacks. Check out some of their fiercest responses to trolls over the years. The Kardashian-Jenner krew has no problem keeping ahead of the haters. Sisters Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner—not to mention mom Kris Jenner—have all dealt with their fair share of critics over the…
Why People Get More Colds in Winter
Why People Get More Colds in Winter A mixture of colder temperatures, lower humidity and more time spent indoors could explain the uptick in cold viruses during the winter holidays By Libby Richards & The Conversation US Respiratory viruses rise in the wintertime, but not because people are outside in the cold. The following essay…
Wikipedia Searches Reveal Differing Styles of Curiosity
Wikipedia Searches Reveal Differing Styles of Curiosity Mapping explorers of Wikipedia rabbit holes revealed three different styles of human inquisitiveness: the “busybody,” the “hunter” and the “dancer.” By Gary Stix edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! The website Wikipedia describes curiosity as a “quality related to inquisitive thinking, such as…
The Bachelorette’s Andi Dorfman Hospitalized Days After Giving Birth
After The Bachelorette alum Andi Dorfman suffered postpartum complications after giving birth to her first baby, a daughter, she was hospitalized and underwent surgery. Andi Dorfman is on the mend after suffering postpartum complications following the birth of her first baby. Less than a week after welcoming her and husband Blaine Hart‘s daughter Harper Bell…
Shohei Ohtani and Wife Mamiko Tanaka Expecting First Baby
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has announced he is set to become a dad, months after his marriage to wife Mamiko Tanaka was made public. Shohei Ohtani just scored a home run with this announcement. The Dodgers pitcher shared Dec. 27 that he is set to become a dad. Alongside a pic of his dog Decoy…
WWII Sugar Rationing Gave Kids a Lifelong Health Boost
WWII Sugar Rationing Gave Kids a Lifelong Health Boost Infants who experienced rationing had a meaningfully lower risk of diabetes and hypertension decades later By Saima S. Iqbal edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! For several years after World War II ended, the British government continued to ration certain foodstuffs,…
The 74 Most Popular Amazon Products E! Shoppers Bought in 2024
. 2024 has been a year of must-have , and we’re rounding up the most popular products couldn’t stop to their carts. Whether it’s a , a cozy , or a , these items have been dominating the shopping scene. And yes, some are even , making them even more irresistible. It’s not just about…
All of You Will Love Chrissy Teigen and John Legend’s Family Photos
As John Legend celebrates another year around the sun, relive the sweet family moments he’s shared with wife Chrissy Teigen and their kids Luna, Miles, Esti and Wren. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen are showing the world what family means to them. Indeed, in the more than a decade since tying the knot in Lake…
Are Octopuses Too Smart to Be Farmed?
Are Octopuses Too Smart to Be Farmed? A planned octopus farm is facing opposition. Here’s why By Rachel Blaser & The Conversation US Day octopus (Octopus cyanea) in mid-water, Hawaii. The following essay is reprinted with permission from The Conversation, an online publication covering the latest research. We named him Squirt – not because he…
Why Probability Probably Doesn’t Exist (but It’s Useful to Act like It Does)
Probability Probably Doesn’t Exist All of statistics and much of science depends on probability—an astonishing achievement, considering no one’s really sure what it is By David Spiegelhalter & Nature magazine Life is uncertain. None of us know what is going to happen. We know little of what has happened in the past, or is happening…
How Much Money Influencers Are Really Paid for Social Media Posts
Influencers can make an entire annual salary in just one month in ad revenue from videos. Here’s how much social media stars get paid. Becoming an influencer just makes cents—and lots of dollars, apparently. While the most well-known influencers like Alix Earle, Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae have parlayed their social media stardom into fashion…
Inside Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s Big Year Since Her Release From Prison
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who’s expecting a baby girl with boyfriend Ken Urker, is making up for lost time since serving 7 years in prison for her role in mom Clauddine “Dee Dee” Blanchard’s murder. Gypsy Rose Blanchard wasted no time getting on with the rest of her life after spending seven years of it behind…
An Earth-Rocking Cosmic Explosion Turns 20
The UniverseFridays An Earth-Rocking Cosmic Explosion Turns 20 Twenty years ago today a magnetar’s epic tantrum made our planet ring like a bell from tens of thousands of light-years away By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings An illustration of a magnetar producing a superflare. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this…
The U.S. Drone Panic Mirrors UFO Overreactions
Opinion The U.S. Drone Panic Mirrors UFO Overreactions We need less uproar over everyday drones and more critical attention about ones near airports and other restricted airspace By Sean Kirkpatrick edited by Daniel Vergano December’s spate of drone sightings seen in New Jersey and spreading nationwide, sure looks familiar. As does its associated media frenzy—culminating…
Olivia Hussey, Star of Romeo and Juliet, Dead at 73
Olivia Hussey, the female lead of the 1968 movie Romeo and Juliet and also known for roles in Jesus of Nazareth and Black Christmas, has died. The actress was 73. Hollywood is mourning one of their own. Olivia Hussey Eisley, star of the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, has died. She was 73. “It is…
Behati Prinsloo Shares Rare Photos of Her and Adam Levine’s Kids
Behati Prinsloo posted rare photos from her and Adam Levine’s holiday break with their kids in December 2024. Adam Levine and wife Behati Prinsloo are making and sharing festive family memories. The Victoria’s Secret model posted several photos of the pair and their kids over their holiday break Dec. 27. The 36-year-old—who shares with Adam…
How to Tactfully Ask Your Child’s Friend’s Parents if They Have Guns at Home
How to Tactfully Ask Your Child’s Friend’s Parents if They Have Guns at Home A gun safety check of where your child is going for a playdate or sleepover may save lives By Sara Novak edited by Gary Stix A child opens a gun safe. It’s a conversation that Marian Betz admits can feel awkward…
How the Duck Stamp Became One of the Most Successful Conservation Tools in U.S. History
How the Duck Stamp Became One of the Most Successful Conservation Tools in U.S. History Inside the fiercely competitive Federal Duck Stamp Contest, part of the wildly successful conservation program that has preserved millions of acres of waterfowl habitat By Daniel T. Ksepka edited by Kate Wong The 1997 Duck Stamp featured a painting of…
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Go Out With Jack Antonoff, Margaret Qualley
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were photographed out on a double date with her longtime friend and collaborator Jack Antonoff and his wife, actress Margaret Qualley. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are having an enchanted holiday break with good friends. The pair was spotted out on a double date at BondST restaurant in New York…
People Living in Las Vegas’s Tunnels Urged to Get Medical Treatment
People Living in Las Vegas’s Tunnels Urged to Get Medical Treatment Street medicine providers and homeless outreach workers who travel into Las Vegas’s drainage tunnels have noticed an uptick in the number of people living underground, and it can be difficult to persuade them to come aboveground for medicine and treatment By Angela Hart &…
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says U.S. could hit debt limit in weeks
By The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said her agency will need to start taking “extraordinary measures,” or special accounting maneuvers intended to prevent the nation from hitting the debt ceiling, as early as Jan. 14, in a letter sent to congressional leaders Friday afternoon. “Treasury expects to hit the statutory debt…
The FDA is Changing What Foods can be Called “Healthy”
December 26, 2024 6 min read The FDA Is Changing What Foods Can Be Called ‘Healthy’ Whole grains and fruits are in, and added sugar is out. That’s going to change what’s on a lot of cereal boxes and other things By Reyna Gobel edited by Josh Fischman Fruit without added sugar will be classified…
Tina Knowles Reacts to Trolls Who Criticized Beyoncé’s Halftime Show
Tina Knowles is speaking out in defense of daughter Beyoncé after the Grammy winner faced some criticism over her NFL halftime show during the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans’ Christmas Day game. When it comes to the trolls, Tina Knowles has Beyoncé‘s back. After the Grammy winner faced some criticism over her NFL halftime show during…
Y2K seems like a joke now, but in 1999 people were really freaking out
By Jack Mitchell Mike Cupo, a systems operator for Public Service Electric and Gas Company, uses a special red phone to talk via radio to PSE&G staffers in the field, during a simulated Y2K drill at company headquarters in Newark, N.J., on April 9, 1999. Power plant operators across the country held drills to make…
WHO chief ‘escaped death narrowly’ in Yemen airport attack
The director general of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said he and his colleagues “escaped death narrowly” while being caught up in an Israeli air strike on an airport in Yemen. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recounted feeling “completely exposed” during the attack, which killed at least six, in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today…
UN authorises new mission against al-Shabaab in Somalia
Resolution allows deployment of 12,626 personnel – but it is unclear if Ethiopia will stay part of peacekeeping force amid territory dispute The UN has authorised a new African peacekeeping mission to continue its fight against Somalia’s al-Shabaab, the insurgent group affiliated with al-Qaida, but there are doubts about whether troops from neighbouring Ethiopia will…
Elon Musk Doubles Down on Support for German Far-Right AfD
Supported by The world’s richest man, a key adviser to President-elect Donald J. Trump, ridicules critics over his backing of the German extremist party AfD, as Germany prepares for elections. By Christopher F. Schuetze Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a close adviser to President-elect Donald J. Trump, shocked many in Germany last week…
S Korean president accused of ordering use of guns to stop martial law vote
Prosecutors allege that South Korea’s suspended president told the military to use guns while attempting to remove lawmakers from parliament as they were voting down his martial law decree. On 3 December, Yoon Suk Yeol authorised soldiers to “break down the doors and drag them [politicians] out, even if it means firing the guns”, according…
Ukrainian Aid Workers Risk Life and Limb to Get Civilians to Safety
Russia-Ukraine War The danger and hardship gets worse by the day for civilians in eastern Ukraine. Still, they resist leaving the places that have become their homes. The danger and hardship gets worse by the day for civilians in eastern Ukraine. Still, they resist leaving the places that have become their homes. Vasyl Pipa speeding…
Magnus Carlsen quits chess championship after refusing to change out of jeans
By Scott Neuman Magnus Carlsen of Norway competes against Daniil Dubov of Russia during the 82nd Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on Jan. 16, 2020. Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top chess player, has quit the World Rapid Chess Championship being held in New York after refusing to change out of…
Beaches, beer and a rare suspended lake … why can’t Nigeria attract more tourists?
Visitor numbers to the African country lag far behind its neighbours due to lack of infrastructure and national planning. Now some are starting to demand changes At the top of the Ado-Awaye hills lies a lake suspended 433 metres above sea level. Local people say the lake is named Iyake (Yoruba for “crying woman”) after…
UK flights continue to face disruption due to fog
Heavy fog has continued to cause delays and cancellations at some of the UK’s busiest airports, with the majority of flights at Gatwick and Stansted affected on Saturday afternoon and delays predicted into the evening. A number of other delays were reported at Manchester airport on Saturday afternoon, with dozens of flights delayed at Heathrow…
Putin apologises over plane crash, without saying Russia at fault
In his first comments on the Christmas Day crash, Putin said the “tragic incident” had occurred when Russian air defence systems were repelling Ukrainian drones. Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky said Russia must “stop spreading disinformation” about the strike. The plane is believed to have come under fire from Russian air defence as it tried to…