Addiction Risk Shows up in Children’s Brain Scans before Drug Use Starts
Massive Study Flips Our Story of Addiction and the Brain Brain differences in children and teens who experiment with drugs early show up before they take their first puff or sip By Maia Szalavitz edited by Allison Parshall For decades, Americans have been told a simple story about addiction: taking drugs damages the brain—and the […]
Can Life Survive the Death of the Sun?
The UniverseFridays When the Sun Becomes a Red Giant, Will Any Planet Be Safe? The future is bright—too bright—for life as we know it once the sun transforms into a red giant star By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings An artist’s impression of the far-future sun, swollen to become a red giant star, as […]
Proof That Adult Brains Make New Neurons Settles Scientific Controversy
Proof That Adult Brains Make New Neurons Settles Scientific Controversy Adult brains grow new neurons, and scientists have finally pinpointed where they come from By Nora Bradford edited by Allison Parshall Neural precursor cells (green) are have been difficult to identify in human brians. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! For at least six decades, […]
Astronomers Found the Most Self-Destructive Planet in the Sky
Astronomers Found the Most Self-Destructive Planet in the Sky This planet triggers flares on its star—spelling its ultimate doom By Jacek Krywko edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier In this artist’s impression, the planet HIP 67522 b sends a wave of energy along magnetic field lines toward the surface of its host star—triggering a massive flare […]
In effort to protect children, France bans smoking at parks and beaches
Eleanor Beardsley PARIS — A restrictive outdoor smoking ban has come into force in France, a country where café culture, which often includes a glass of wine and a cigarette, is a way of life. As of Sunday, smokers are no longer allowed to light up in public parks, at swimming pools, or at beaches, […]
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Had Pills to “Increase Sperm,” Assistant Says
During Sean “Diddy” Combs’ federal trial, his former assistant David James testified that the rapper had “25 to 30” undisclosed pill bottles in his regular travel bag. A member of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ inner circle is providing insight into his travel incidentals. Amid the mogul’s trial for racketeering, sex trafficking and coercion, his former assistant…
Mother of jailed British-Egyptian activist resumes full hunger strike
Laila Soueif announces life-endangering action in protest over continued detention of Alaa Abd el-Fattah in Cairo The mother of the imprisoned British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has announced she has resumed a near-total hunger strike, stopping taking the 300-calorie supplements she had been consuming on her partial hunger strike for the past three…
Ministers consider easing winter fuel payment cuts
Senior government figures are discussing whether to reverse the controversial decision to cut winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners within weeks. More than nine million pensioners lost out on payments worth up to £300 after Chancellor Rachel Reeves restricted eligibility for the pension top-up last year. Discussions in government have included changing the threshold…
Jeremy Bowen: Goodwill running out as allies demand that Israel end Gaza offensive
Israel went to war after the Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 armed with an arsenal of weapons mostly paid for, supplied and then resupplied by the United States. Israel, they say, must halt its new offensive, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says will destroy Hamas, rescue the remaining hostages and put all of Gaza…
Jennifer Lawrence & Robert Pattinson Share Secret to Their Sex Scenes
Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson shared that the secret to feeling comfortable during their sex scenes in the film Die, My Love was taking dance lessons together before shooting began. Jennifer Lawrence had no hard feelings about her sex scenes with Robert Pattinson. The Oscar winner revealed the secret to feeling comfortable with the Twilight…
Trump has imposed a lot of tariffs. But here’s why collecting them can be hard
Emily Feng In a flurry of actions, President Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on imports coming into the United States, before pausing or retracting many. Still, tariff levels are higher than before Trump took office, as his administration seeks to boost U.S. manufacturing and raise revenue. But collecting on these tariffs is another matter. The…
El Salvador arrest prominent human rights lawyer
Eyder Peralta López has been an outspoken critic of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. She and her organization have documented human rights abuses in El Salvador — including inhumane conditions in jails and the extended state of emergency, during which the government has suspended many constitutional rights and imprisoned tens of thousands of suspected gang members…
UK now best placed country on trade – Reeves
The UK is now in a better place on trade “than any other country in the world”, the chancellor has claimed. Rachel Reeves said Britain’s economic growth was on course to be upgraded as a result of the country’s recent three trade deals agreed with the US, India and the EU. Reeves suggested the government…
TikToker Mikayla Nogueira Gives Update on Husband Cody After Rehab
TikToker Mikayla Nogueira, who revealed in April that her husband Cody Hawken was in rehab to battle his drug and alcohol addiction, gave an update on how “the light” is returning to his eyes. Get ready with Mikayla Nogueira as she gives a family update. Five weeks after her husband Cody Hawken finished a 45-day…
How Do Doctors Treat ‘Aggressive’ Prostate Cancer like Joe Biden’s?
How Do Doctors Treat ‘Aggressive’ Prostate Cancer like Joe Biden’s? What we know about Joe Biden’s cancer, prognosis and treatment options By Clara Moskowitz edited by Dean Visser President Joe Biden speaks onstage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 19, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Former president…
At least 50 migrants sent to El Salvador prison entered US legally, report finds
Cato analysis goes against Trump administration’s claim that only undocumented people were deported to Cecot At least 50 Venezuelan men sent by the Trump administration to a prison in El Salvador had entered the United States legally, according to a review by the Cato Institute. The report, published by the libertarian thinktank on Monday, analyzed…
Murder of Colombian model sparks outrage over rising femicides
María José Estupiñán, 22, was killed by a suspect who arrived at her house disguised as a delivery man, police say The murder of a Colombian model and influencer, now being investigated as a possible femicide, has triggered widespread outrage and renewed criticism of the country’s failure to protect women. María José Estupiñán, a 22-year-old…
For the first time, the U.S. is absent from WHO’s annual assembly. What’s the impact?
By Jonathan Lambert It’s the biggest global health meeting of the year. And the United States won’t be taking a seat at the table. This week, representatives from the 194 countries of the World Health Organization — minus the U.S. — are gathering in Geneva to discuss and vote on policies that will shape global…
Stack Overflow: 6 Books for May
On this roundup list, we celebrate my usual favorites: board books, books in translation, migrant stories, and even an early reader graphic novel that I enjoyed a bit too much. Let’s start with picture books: Micaela Chirif is an award-winning Peruvian author of children’s books and poetry, and I am glad that we are finally…
How Dinosaurs Shaped Fruit Evolution
For Fruit Seeds, Humans Are Modern-Day Dinosaurs By physically engineering their environments, megafauna such as dinosaurs curbed fruit seed sizes—a role that now may be filled by humans By Gayoung Lee edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! What do humans have in common with the dinosaurs that trampled through ancient…
What will a ‘reset’ deal mean for the UK’s economic growth?
There was much fanfare – and then lunch on the Thames – to mark the “reset” of the relationship between the UK and the EU with claims of a “huge” potential boost to growth. The deal does represent a significant breakthrough in deepening ties in the UK’s most important trading relationship and paves the way…
One/Size Powder Melt Is Finally Here & It’s a Glass Skin Must-Have
In an exclusive E! interview, Patrick Starrr shares how the new ONE/SIZE Powder Melt setting spray helps prevent cakey foundation and keeps your makeup looking fresh and radiant all day. We interviewed Patrick Starrr because we think you’ll like his picks. The products featured are from Patrick’s brand ONE/SIZE. Our writers and editors independently determine what…
Mexico mourns two navy cadets killed when ship crashed into Brooklyn Bridge
América Sánchez and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos died in the wreck that injured 22 other crew members Mexico is grieving two cadets in the country’s navy that were killed on Saturday when the tall training ship Cuauhtémoc crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. América Sánchez, 20, and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos, 23, died in the wreck…
How treatable is prostate cancer? A doctor reacts to Biden’s diagnosis
By Rachel Treisman Former President Joe Biden’s office announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones. But it said the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, “which allows for effective management.” Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S. after…
Where does your weather forecast come from?
Rebecca Hersher You’re about to walk your dog, but the sky looks ominous. You pull out your phone, open your favorite weather app, and see that it’s about to pour. You wait for the rain to pass. Or maybe you planned a summer vacation at the beach. A week before you’re supposed to leave, you…
Gary Lineker expected to leave BBC earlier than planned after antisemitism row
Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC, with an announcement expected on Monday. Speculation is mounting the 64-year-old will step down after he presents his final Match of the Day next weekend. It is understood that Lineker, listed as the highest-paid BBC presenter, will also no longer present the corporation’s coverage of the World…
American Idol Season 23 Winner Revealed
American Idol crowned a season 23 winner May 18, with host Ryan Seacrest announcing the results after finalists John Foster, Breanna Nix and Jamal Roberts performed alongside major celebrities. A new American Idol winner is stepping into the spotlight. Host Ryan Seacrest announced Jamal Roberts as the season 23 champion during the May 18 finale as…
Black Hole Mergers Show Strange Mathematical Link to String Theory
Deep Math from String Theory Appears in Clashing Black Holes Researchers have shown that abstract mathematical functions from the frontiers of theoretical physics have a real-world use in modeling gravitational waves By Ramin Skibba edited by Lee Billings An illustration of two black holes about to merge and emitting copious gravitational waves. And as the…
Dry spring weather to make way for rain in parts of Europe
Polar jet stream to break down areas of high pressure, while cold winds could bring snow to South Africa The extremely dry spring weather in north-western Europe has continued this month, with swathes of the UK, northern France, the Low Countries and Germany receiving just 10% of their normal May rainfall. The summery conditions, caused…
As Oceans Warm, Scientists Fight to Save Lush Kelp Forests
See the Lush Kelp Forests Scientists Are Fighting for as Oceans Warm New research helps the “ocean’s veins” thrive under heat stress By Avery Schuyler Nunn edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! While free diving to photograph kelp forests along the California coastline, I’ve viscerally felt the consequences of finiteness…
Pope Leo, Taking Helm of a Divided Church, Urges Unity
Pope Leo XIV Presiding over a Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, Leo was inaugurated as the first American pope, in a ceremony filled with ancient and symbolic rituals. By Jason Horowitz Reporting from Vatican City Leo XIV on Sunday celebrated an outdoor Mass formally inaugurating him as the 267th pope of the Roman…
Analysis: Biden’s cancer diagnosis is another formidable challenge
Joe Biden’s half-century in politics has been an exercise in overcoming adversity. From the death of his wife and young daughter in a car accident in 1972, to two early and unsuccessful presidential bids, to the death of his eldest son at just 46, his decades in Washington have been defined by tragedy but often…
Low prices and Trump’s trade war are pushing these Northwest farmers to the brink
Kirk Siegler EATON, Wash. – Back in the New Deal era, the Northwest’s mighty rivers were dammed allowing barges to cheaply bring grain from the wheat fields of eastern Washington to the coast for export. Today, at ports along the Snake River, trucks unload grain to five-storey high bins along the banks. Most barges that…
Why Sister Wives’ Madison Brush Wants to Apologize to Robyn’s Kids
Perhaps Sister Wives‘ Madison Brush would agree that love should be multiplied, not divided. On the series’ May 18 episode, she revealed why she’d like to mend the rift with Robyn Brown’s kids. After saying a final farewell to late brother Garrison Brown, Sister Wives star Madison Brush was ready to let go of some…
Campaigners seek help amid search for victims of Argentina’s military dictatorship
Families of the ‘disappeared’ say kidnapped children may be living across Europe Women whose relatives were murdered and disappeared under Argentina’s military dictatorship will meet EU officials in Brussels on Monday to seek support for expanded DNA testing to identify missing children. A delegation from the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, a campaigning group, will…
Nissan open to making cars for Chinese partner in Sunderland, says CEO
Ivan Espinosa says UK plant will not be hit by cost cuts as Japanese firm reveals seven factories to close Nissan’s new chief executive has said the Japanese carmaker would be open to building cars for a Chinese partner at its factory in Sunderland after he confirmed it would not be closed in a round…
Joe Biden Diagnosed With “Aggressive Form” of Prostate Cancer
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has spread, his personal office said in a statement May 18. Joe Biden is facing a major health battle. The former President of the United States, 82, was recently diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has spread…
Joe Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ prostate cancer
Former US president Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has spread to his bones, a statement from his office said on Sunday. Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after he saw a doctor last week for urinary symptoms. The cancer is a more aggressive form of the disease, characterised by a Gleason…
FBI says primary suspect in Calif. fertility clinic bombing likely died in the blast
By Joe Hernandez Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, has been identified as the primary suspect in the fatal explosion outside a California fertility clinic Saturday morning. Investigators also said that they suspect Bartkus was the sole fatality in the Palm Springs blast, which injured four others. “We are working through some other technical means to positively…
Iceland’s Orca Pods Mysteriously Include Baby Pilot Whales
Friend or Food: Why Are Iceland’s Orcas Taking in Pilot Whales? Newborn pilot whales have been spotted mysteriously swimming among pods of orcas. Scientists are trying to puzzle out how the pilot whale calves got there and what happened to them By Marina Wang edited by Andrea Thompson A neonate long-finned pilot whale surfaces in…
Son Heung-min tells South Korean police he is victim of blackmail attempt
Son Heung-min has filed a complaint to South Korean police alleging he was the victim of a blackmail attempt, his agency said, after media reports that a woman had threatened the Tottenham captain with a false pregnancy claim. “The police are currently investigating, so we will let you know the results as soon as they…
A deadly explosion outside a California fertility clinic is investigated as terrorism
By Joe Hernandez A fatal explosion outside a California fertility clinic Saturday morning is being investigated as an act of terrorism, according to an FBI official. One person was killed and four were injured in the weekend blast that sent debris flying across multiple blocks in all directions, said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge…
All of the Celebrity Kids Who Have Competed on American Idol
Though Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys alum Brian Littrell, was eventually eliminated from the 23rd season of American Idol, he joined a long line of contestants with celebrity parents. Thousands audition, millions vote and on May 18 one contestant will be crowned the country’s next American Idol. But season 23’s top five—Breanna Nix, Jamal…
Bird-Watching Is Better When You Unplug
The Wonders of Bird-Watching without Tech By Derek Lovitch edited by Kate Wong A Boreal Owl emerges from its roost to begin its evening of hunting activities in Northern Minnesota. The Boreal Owl is a tiny but fierce gnome of the deep boreal forest—the belt of cold, wet, largely coniferous forest that encircles the North…
Israeli forces besiege Gaza hospital as Hamas offers truce terms
Israeli forces have besieged a hospital in northern Gaza as they continue an offensive to seize territory in the Strip, the Hamas-run health ministry has said. Medical staff and patients at the Indonesian Hospital, in Beit Lahia, came under “heavy fire… preventing the arrival of patients, medical staff, and supplies”, the ministry said on Sunday.…
Losing faith: Rural religious colleges are among the most endangered
From Hechinger Report By Jon Marcus DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Catholic prayer for the faithful echoed off the limestone walls and marble floor of the high-ceilinged chapel. The prayer implored God to comfort the poor and the hungry. The sick and the suffering. The anxious and the afraid. Then it took an unexpected turn. “Lord,…
Ten dead in ‘brutal’ attacks by Isis-linked militants on Mozambique wildlife reserve
Thousands have been displaced and conservation work halted as series of killings jeopardises decades of work in Niassa, one of Africa’s biggest protected areas One of Africa’s largest protected areas has been shaken by a series of attacks by Islamic State-linked extremists, which have left at least 10 people dead. Conservationists in Niassa reserve, Mozambique,…
New Google AI Chatbot Tackles Complex Math and Science
New Google AI Chatbot Tackles Complex Math and Science A Google DeepMind system improves chip designs and addresses unsolved math problems but has not been rolled out to researchers outside the company By Elizabeth Gibney & Nature magazine DeepMind says that AlphaEvolve has helped to improve the design of AI chips. Google DeepMind has used…
‘What the Hell Just Happened’ to the UK Eurovision entry?
Oh no, not again. For the third year in a row, the UK has crashed out at Eurovision, taking 19th place out of a possible 26. It feels particularly cruel this time because our contestants, Remember Monday, got a lot of things right with their song, What the Hell Just Happened. Most notably, they could…
Mexican Navy ship crashes into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge
At least 22 people have been injured and three remain in a serious condition the after a Mexican Navy training ship crashed into New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge. Footage shows the towering masts of the Cuauhtémoc clipping the bridge as the sailing vessel was passing under the famous structure on Saturday evening. Parts of the…
Aubrey O’Day Reacts to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Kids Supporting Him
Aubrey O’Day shared her thoughts on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ supporting him inside the courtroom at his sex trafficking trial. Aubrey O’Day has some thoughts on Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ kids attending his sex trafficking trial. The 41-year-old, a former member of his past girl group Danity Kane, spoke out after his children—which include Quincy, 33, Justin, 31,…
Paleontologists discover a 500-million-year-old, 3-eyed predator
By Alana Wise The fossilized remains of one Mosura fentoni — nicknamed the “sea moth” — were found in the Burgess Shale of Canadian Rockies, presenting researchers with new insight into animal life in the Cambrian period, according to a paper published this week in the journal Royal Society Open Science. “It gives it almost…
Mexican navy ship hits Brooklyn Bridge during promotional tour
Three of the ship’s masts could be seen snapping and partially collapsing after they brushed the bridge in New York City A Mexican navy sailing ship hit the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday during a promotional tour in New York City, the top of its mast brushing the iconic span as it sailed through the East…
Real Ice Experiments with Polar Geoengineering to Refreeze Melting Arctic Sea Ice
Polar Geoengineering Experiments Bet Big on Freezing Arctic Ice Refreezing the melting sea ice in the Arctic is more complicated than you would think. The U.K. is funding geoengineering experiments like this one to curb the effects of climate change. By Rachel Feltman, Alec Luhn, Fonda Mwangi, Alex Sugiura & Jeffery DelViscio This story was…
‘Napalm Girl’ may be work of different photographer, World Press Photo says
Photo from Vietnam war is now at centre of controversy after documentary claimed it was taken by someone else The World Press Photo group has suspended the attribution of authorship for one on the most famous press photographs ever taken, after a new documentary challenged 50 years of accepted journalism history. The photo, officially titled…
Dakota Johnson Details Being Cut Off Financially From Dad Don Johnson
Dakota Johnson recalled how she had to forge her own acting career after high school when her dad cut her off as part of an ultimatum. Dakota Johnson was fifty shades of determined to make it on her own when she officially began her acting career. After not getting accepted into the famous Juilliard School…
What Makes Stars Twinkle?
The UniverseFridays What Makes Stars Twinkle? The quirks of light moving through gas are the cause of stellar twinkling, which can be a bane—and sometimes a boon—for astronomers By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Ah, it’s a lovely night…
Trump says he will call Putin to discuss stopping Ukraine ‘bloodbath’
Donald Trump says he will be speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday about ending the war in Ukraine, saying the call would be about “stopping the ‘bloodbath’”. In a post on Truth Social, the US president said the call would take place at 10:00 EDT (14:00 GMT) and he would then…
Latin American leaders spend millions to influence Trump’s White House
El Salvador’s Bukele has scored an Oval Office Trump meeting, nuclear deal and US prison support US government records reveal Latin American leaders have spent millions hiring Washington’s top lobbyists to push for a laundry list of requests – from free-trade deals, security assistance and energy investments – to be heard by the Trump administration,…
How Measles, Polio and Other Eliminated Diseases Could Roar Back If U.S. Vaccination Rates Fall
See the Dramatic Consequences of Vaccination Rates Teetering on a ‘Knife’s Edge’ As U.S. childhood vaccination rates sway on a “knife’s edge,” new 25-year projections reveal how slight changes in national immunization could improve—or drastically reverse—the prevalence of measles, polio, rubella and diphtheria By Lauren J. Young edited by Dean Visser Measles, rubella, polio and…
Why Heather Rae El Moussa Is Sick of Being Compared to Christina Haack
Though Heather Rae El Moussa is so flippin’ sick of the comparisons of her and husband Tarek El Moussa’s ex-wife Christina Haack, the HGTV star told E! News they’ve learned to “laugh it off.” Heather Rae El Moussa would love if fans could stop flipping out over her similarities to husband Tarek El Moussa‘s ex…
Hamas says new Gaza talks have begun, hours after Israel launched major offensive
Hamas says its negotiators have opened a new round of talks aimed at ending the war in Gaza, hours after Israel launched a major offensive. Taher al-Nounou, an adviser to the head of Hamas, told the BBC a new round of negotiations had officially begun in Doha on Saturday. There were no preconditions from either…
Opinion: A wealth of wisdom for a bargain price
Scott Simon There’s a new reason to go through that pile of papers you’ve plunked somewhere. Tests have established that a supposedly “unofficial” copy of the Magna Carta resting in the files of the Harvard Law School library for decades is an original, and, “one of the world’s most valuable documents.” The law school reportedly…
Venezuelans deported by Trump are victims of ‘torture’, lawyers allege
Lawyers hired by Venezuela have been unable to confirm ‘proof of life’ for 252 migrants imprisoned in El Salvador Lawyers for 252 Venezuelans deported by the Trump administration and imprisoned in El Salvador for two months have alleged that the migrants are victims of physical and emotional “torture”. A law firm hired by the Venezuelan…
The End of the Universe May Arrive Surprisingly Soon
The Universe May End Sooner Than Scientists Had Expected A new study suggests the universe’s end could occur much sooner than previously thought. But don’t worry, that ultimate cosmic conclusion would still be in the unimaginably distant future By Sharmila Kuthunur & SPACE.com An illustration of the remnants of an ancient, dead planetary system orbiting…