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, […]
Fourteen children arrested over boy’s fire death in Gateshead
Fourteen children have been arrested over the death of a 14-year-old boy following a fire at an industrial unit. The blaze broke out at Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead on Friday evening. It was extinguished but a body believed to be that of Layton Carr, who had been reported missing,…
US jury’s $30m verdict brings hope for Cuban exiles over confiscated land
Lawsuit brought under Helms-Burton could spur others pursuing compensation for property seized by Castro Long before it became one of Cuba’s most popular tourist destinations in the 1990s, the small island of Cayo Coco, with its pristine beaches and powdery white sands, attracted a different kind of clientele. Inspired by its unspoiled beauty, and his…
Iranians among eight arrested in two separate anti-terror operations
Eight men, including seven Iranian nationals, have been arrested in two separate counter-terrorism police investigations. Five were arrested at various locations around England on Saturday as part of a “pre-planned” investigation into a plot to “target a specific premises”, the Metropolitan Police said. Four – two aged 29, one aged 40 and one aged 46…
Surprise, These Celebrities Actually Have the Same Name
From the two most famous Michael Jordans to the not-so-obvious who share their given moniker with a fellow celebrity—looking at you, Katy Perry—check out these stars with the same name. There’s almost zero chance that you’re the only person who has your name. Sure, some monikers are more unique than others—celebrity parents are seeing to…
Lady Gaga rocks Copacabana Beach with a free concert for more than 2 million fans
By The Associated Press RIO DE JANEIRO — Lady Gaga gave a free concert Saturday night in front of 2 million fans who poured onto Copacabana Beach for the biggest show of her career. “Tonight, we’re making history. (…) Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga told a screaming crowd. The Mother Monster,…
Gigi Hadid Makes Bradley Cooper Romance IG Official With PDA Pic
NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico left the network’s broadcast coverage of the Kentucky Derby 2025 after suffering a “significant” nut allergy reaction. An Instagram romance is born. Gigi Hadid has made her relationship with boyfriend Bradley Cooper social media official, more than a year after they started dating. The supermodel included a photo of the two…
Sir John Curtice: The map that shows Reform’s triumph was much more than a protest vote
There is no doubt that Reform performed well in Thursday’s local council elections. The party won most votes, most seats and overall control of most councils. True, the party’s share of the votes cast across all 23 councils where elections took place on Thursday was no more than 31%. So despite doing well, it secured…
Trump Quietly Halts Money to States for Preventing Disaster Damage
Trump Quietly Halts Money to States for Preventing Disaster Damage President Trump is the first president in at least three decades to deny governors’ requests for funding that’s meant to protect people and property By Thomas Frank & E&E News President Donald Trump is considering a major overhaul to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. CLIMATEWIRE…
Arizona governor pauses deportation for Guatemalan who gave birth days ago
‘Erika’, 24, gained public attention after lawyer said federal agents denied him access to her in a Tucson hospital A Guatemalan immigrant who crossed the US border eight months pregnant and gave birth in Arizona has avoided fast-track deportation after intervention by the state’s governor, her lawyer and a federal official said on Saturday. The…
The Vatican installs chimney to signal the selection of the next pope
Clare Marie Schneider Workers attached a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Friday, ahead of the election process for the next pope. The chimney, which is attached to the chapel before a new pope is elected, will signal to the public the election of Pope Francis’ successor. With the death of Pope Francis last month,…
World may be ‘post-herd immunity’ to measles, top US scientist says
As infections pummel communities in the US, Mexico and Canada, fear of ‘the most contagious human disease’ grows The US is enduring the largest measles outbreak in a quarter-century. Centered in west Texas, the measles outbreak has killed two unvaccinated children and one adult and spread to neighboring states including New Mexico and Oklahoma. “Measles…
This week proves Nigel Farage’s PM ambition is not a wild notion
In the first week of 2025, Nigel Farage told me his ultimate goal was to become prime minister. It stuck in my mind that he chose to add: “I’m not joking.” Nobody in the two traditional main parties finds his stunning success this week funny. “Farage is no longer someone we can just laugh off,”…
Kentucky Derby 2025: See Dannielynn Birkhead and More Celebs Arrive
The 2025 Kentucky Derby was attended by a slew of celebrities, including Dannielynn Birkhead, Alix Earle and Selma Blair. Get details and see photos from the event. These stars were off to the races—in style. The 2025 Kentucky Derby, held at the Churchill Downs racecourse in Louisville May 3, brought out celebs such as Alix…
If a Chatbot Tells You It Is Conscious, Should You Believe It?
Opinion If a Chatbot Tells You It Is Conscious, Should You Believe It? AI systems could show signs of consciousness. We need to develop better tests to show whether they are actually aware By Susan Schneider Early in 2025 dozens of ChatGPT 4.0 users reached out to me to ask if the model was conscious.…
Florida lawmakers try to balance condo safety with cost
By Greg Allen Florida lawmakers have sent the governor a measure aimed at providing relief for tens of thousands of condominium owners struggling with rising costs in aging buildings. A law passed shortly after 98 people died in the 2021 collapse of a residential tower in the town of Surfside, located outside of Miami, placed…
Australia PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win
Labor’s Anthony Albanese has defied the so-called “incumbency curse” to be re-elected Australia’s prime minister in a landslide. Official vote counting won’t finish for days, but Albanese’s centre-left government will dramatically increase its majority after the conservative Liberal-National coalition suffered a thumping defeat nationwide. “Today, the Australian people have voted for Australian values: for fairness,…
This hockey town in Michigan has deep ties to Canada. Then came Trump’s tariffs
From the local sports team to local businesses, Saginaw is intimately intertwined with its northern neighbor There are few entities that embody the close, fraternal ties between the US and Canada quite like the Saginaw Spirit junior ice hockey team. In a place whose fortunes have been more down than up in recent decades, the…
Opinion: Curse other drivers? So do the pros — but they get fined
Scott Simon The governing body that oversees Formula One racing is worried about F1 drivers dropping F-bombs, and now the sport’s most prominent driver says he feels… inhibited. Max Verstappen, the 4-time world champion for the Red Bull Racing team, was given a penalty over his remarks at a press conference last fall, when he…
Could the Sun Unleash Dangerous Superflares?
The UniverseFridays Could the Sun Fry Earth with a Superflare? Stars like the sun might erupt with extreme explosions about once per century By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Artist’s concept of a space-weather outburst from the sun impacting Earth’s atmosphere. Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by…
Katherine Heigl Shares One Condition for 27 Dresses Sequel
Katherine Heigl exclusively told E! News what it would take for her to return for a 27 Dresses sequel amid her new ventures, which includes her Bandlands Ranch dog nutrition brand. Katherine Heigl’s future may include a 28th bridesmaid dress. But amid rumblings that a sequel to 27 Dresses is in the works, the Grey’s…
King Charles to open Canada parliament as PM Carney reacts to Trump threats
Liberal PM will also meet with US president on Tuesday amid tensions over threatened annexation and tariffs King Charles has accepted an invitation to open Canada’s parliament on 27 May, in “an historic honour that matches the weight of our times”, the country’s prime minister, Mark Carney, said on Friday. In his first news conference…
My impression of Prince Harry during our exclusive interview
Dawn in a beautiful, expensively landscaped home in Santa Barbara, Californa, is a strange time and place to meet a British prince. However, the Duke of Sussex infamously stepped away from the usual business of being royal. It’s a decision he says he was forced to make. The home wasn’t his, but rather a convenient…
Solar Geoengineering Is Possible with Existing Aircraft, Study Finds
Solar Geoengineering Is Possible with Existing Aircraft, Study Finds Scientists previously thought that solar geoengineering—or releasing particles into the atmosphere to reflect solar rays—would require specialized high-altitude vehicles By Chelsea Harvey & E&E News CLIMATEWIRE | A futuristic geoengineering proposal might be easier to accomplish in the real world than scientists previously thought. The new…
Inside Dannielynn Birkhead’s Surprisingly Normal World
Seventeen years after Anna Nicole Smith’s death, her beloved daughter Dannielynn Birkhead—who just turned 18— is incredibly well adjusted, says dad Larry Birkhead: “She’s a good kid.” Perhaps it’s fitting that Dannielynn Birkhead loves rollercoasters when you consider the tedious climbs and sharp descents that marked her first year of life. There was the untimely passing of half-brother Daniel Smith, who overdosed…
The Trump administration says it will cut EPA staffing to Reagan-era levels
By Alejandra Borunda The Trump administration announced plans for a significant reorganization of the Environmental Protection Agency on Friday, and signaled major cuts in staffing to come – especially for the agency’s scientific research arm. EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said the EPA expects to cut staff to levels similar to the 1980s, when President Ronald…
Federal judge strikes down Trump order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie
Ryan Lucas A federal judge on Friday struck down President Trump’s executive order targeting the prominent law firm of Perkins Coie, finding it unconstitutional and declaring it an attack on the foundational principles of the American legal system. The ruling from U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell is the first to permanently block an executive order…
Self-Driving Cars Have New Rules in the U.S. Here’s Why That Matters
Self-Driving Cars Have New Rules in the U.S. Here’s Why That Matters New rules that trim crash reporting requirements and widen testing access for U.S. robotaxis are hailed as an innovation edge and criticized for eroding safety oversight By Deni Ellis Béchard edited by Dean Visser On April 24, with a brief video and a…
Harry’s emotional avalanche hits the Royal Family
This BBC interview with Prince Harry will become one of those famous moments when television collides with the world of the royals. It was like an emotional avalanche. It began with some stones being kicked over with questions about security and then the interview turned into a spectacular release of what seemed to be a…
Venezuela rejects UN ruling to refrain from holding election in disputed region
Neighboring Guyana has also laid claim to the mineral rich Essequibo, and Venezuela plans to elect officials to govern it Venezuela’s government has said it “categorically” rejected a ruling from the U N’s top court ordering the South American country to refrain from holding elections for officials who supposedly would oversee a resource-rich region in…
Trot on Over to See the Best Kentucky Derby Looks of All Time
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville May 3. But the event isn’t just horseplay. We’re tipping our hat to Travis Kelce, Jessica Simpson and more of the best looks. We’re not horsing around: It’s almost time for the 2025 Kentucky Derby. The event’s 151st outing will take place at…
US designates two powerful Haitian gangs as terrorist groups
Rubio calls Viv Ansanm and Gran Grif ‘threat to US national security’ and says support for groups could lead to charges The United States has designated a powerful Haitian gang alliance, whose members have taken control of almost all the capital city as a “transnational terrorist group”. The criminal coalition known as Viv Ansanm (Live…
Reform UK makes big gains in English local elections
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has made big gains in English local elections, cementing it as a prime challenger to Britain’s traditional main parties. It has won over 660 of around 1,600 council seats contested on Thursday, which were last fought in 2021. Reform has seized control of eight authorities from the Conservatives after elections on…
Under Trump, National Science Foundation Cuts Off All Funding to Scientists
National Science Foundation Halts Funding Indefinitely National Science Foundation staff were told to freeze outgoing funding days after NSF leadership introduced a new policy that requires that grants be screened for “alignment with agency priorities” By Dan Garisto & Nature magazine Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Staff members at the US National Science Foundation…
Justin Bieber’s Pastor Addresses Accusations His Church Is a “Cult”
Justin Bieber’s pastor Judah Smith addressed accusations that his church is actually a “cult” amid speculation about his close friendship with the Grammy-winning singer. Justin Bieber’s longtime pastor is defending his church’s purpose. Amid rumors about the nature of the “What Do You Mean” singer’s friendship with Judah Smith, who leads the nondenominational Christian church…
Medical journals hit with threatening letters from Justice Department
Rob Stein The letters began arriving at medical journals around the country over the last few weeks. “It has been brought to my attention that more and more journals and publications … are conceding that they are partisans in various scientific debates,” wrote Edward R. Martin Jr., the interim U.S. attorney for the District of…
Kelsey Grammar Shares His Sister Karen’s Final Moments Before Stabbing
Kelsey Grammar detailed his sister Karen Grammar’s final moments before her tragic death, nearly 50 years after the 18-year-old was raped and stabbed to death in Colorado. Content warning: This story contains graphic details. Kelsey Grammar is still processing his sister Karen Grammar’s gruesome death 50 years later. On July 8, 1975, the Frasier star,…
Ugandan activist asks HSBC to put ‘lives before profit’ as campaigners target bank’s AGM
Patience Nabukalu, who has experienced climate-related flooding, joins protestors from around the world to deliver a letter to CEO Georges Elhedery criticising the financing of oil, gas and coal projects At nine years old, Patience Nabukalu was devastated when her friend, Kevin, died in severe flooding that hit their Kampala suburb, Nateete, a former wetland.…
The Threatened Fungi on the IUCN Red List Are Important to our Ecology
These Fungi Are Facing Extinction—Here’s Why That Matters As conservation targets, fungi aren’t as appealing as giant pandas. But these scientists explain that the health of Earth’s fungal species is critically important. By Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi & Alex Sugiura Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. Even if you don’t know…
Prince Harry tells BBC he wants ‘reconciliation’ with Royal Family
The Duke of Sussex says he wants “reconciliation” with the rest of the Royal Family, in an emotional interview, in which he said he was “devastated” about losing a legal challenge over his security in the UK. At present Prince Harry said he was cut off from his father King Charles, in a BBC News…
Trump again threatens Harvard’s tax-exempt status, saying, ‘It’s what they deserve!’
Elissa Nadworny On Friday, President Trump again threatened to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status. “We are going to be taking away Harvard’s Tax Exempt Status. It’s what they deserve!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. His comments marked the latest volley in a battle between the Trump administration and the wealthiest college in the…
‘World’s largest’ electric ship measuring 130 metres launched by Tasmanian boatbuilder
Manufacturer Incat built Hull 096 to run between Buenos Aires and Uruguay, dubbing it the ‘most complex’ project it has ever undertaken An Australian boatbuilder has launched what it describes as the world’s largest battery-power ship, describing it as a “a giant leap forward in sustainable shipping” and the “most important” project it has ever…
Why Princess Charlotte Will Never Be Your Average Spare Heir
Princess Charlotte is turning 10 on May 2 and, unlike some of her second-born predecessors, Kate Middleton and Prince William’s daughter doesn’t have to worry about being given short shrift. Not all that long ago, Princess Charlotte wouldn’t have even been a spare heir. She would’ve been “just” a princess. But with the 2013 Succession to…
‘Breakfast on the Bridges’: a monthly Portland commuter tradition
By Deena Prichep If you choose to commute by bike, there is a lot you might encounter on your morning ride – nice things like spring flowers … or not so nice things, like angry motorists. But on the last Friday of each month, in Portland, Oregon, you’ll also come across fresh-brewed coffee, doughnuts and…
The Scary Implications of U.S. Government Attacks on Medical Journals
Opinion The Scary Implications of U.S. Government Attacks on Medical Journals A Trump-aligned prosecutor’s attack on medical journals is a threat to your health care—and the medical establishment should not comply By Eric Reinhart Senator Joseph McCarthy holds up a letter during a House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearing. In April, I decided to make…
Trump officials ask supreme court to help strip legal status from Venezuelans
Justice department calls on court to hold judge’s order against ending temporary protected status for 300,000 The Trump administration asked the US supreme court on Thursday to intervene and assist in its attempt to strip temporary protected status (TPS) from more than 300,000 Venezuelan migrants in the US, a move that would clear the way…
Jason Ritter Shares One Thing Melanie Lynskey Won’t Share With Him
Jason Ritter exclusively told E! News at the May 1 premiere of Peacock’s Poker Face season two that his wife Melanie Lynskey refuses to share TV show spoilers with him. Jason Ritter can’t seem to crack Melanie Lynskey‘s poker face. The Matlock actor revealed that his wife of five years refuses to share any details about…
Reform and Labour four votes apart as Runcorn goes to recount
The Runcorn and Helsby by-election is on a knife edge, with just four votes separating Reform UK and Labour, the BBC has been told. A full recount is taking place, after party officials said the first tally put Nigel Farage’s party ahead by a tiny margin. The by-election – Sir Keir Starmer’s first major electoral…
Health care for transgender children questioned in 400-page Trump administration report
Selena Simmons-Duffin On Thursday, the Department of Health and Human Services published a 400-page document entitled “Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices.” The review’s authors are not being named by HHS. According to a press release, the names “are not initially being made public in order to help maintain the…
News spotlight: Study buoys hope for rare axolotls
Axolotls — the cute and charismatic creatures made famous by the video game “Minecraft” — are in a free fall. Pollution, modern farming and the introduction of invasive fish that prey on the critically endangered species have reduced their habitat to the channels of a single lake in Mexico. But a new study is offering…
Kristi Noem says Kilmar Ábrego García would be deported immediately if sent back to US
US homeland security secretary said Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador ‘not under our control’ Kristi Noem, the US homeland security secretary, said that if Kilmar Ábrego García was sent back to the US, the Donald Trump administration “would immediately deport him again”. Noem repeated White House assertions about Ábrego García, a Salvadorian man…
RFK, Jr., Funds Universal Vaccines for Flu and COVID—Here’s What That Means
Universal Vaccines Have Eluded Scientists for Years. RFK, Jr., Is Betting This Approach Will Succeed Trump’s HHS and NIH are planning to invest $500 million in a killed-whole-virus approach to universal vaccines, including such vaccines for flu and COVID. Here’s why that’s challenging By Lauren J. Young edited by Dean Visser A worker wearing personal…
British woman, 115, becomes world’s oldest person
A woman from the UK has become the oldest person in the world, at the age of 115 and 253 days. Ethel Caterham, who lives at a care home in Lightwater, Surrey, reached the milestone following the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas, aged 116 on Wednesday. Ms Caterham was born on 21…
Savannah Guthrie Teases Hoda Kotb’s Return to Today
After Hoda Kotb bid farewell to Today in January following a nearly 17-year career at the morning show, Savannah Gutherie revealed that her former cohost will be back for a bit. Savannah Guthrie knows Hoda Kotb is cooking up something really special. Over three months after Hoda exited Today following nearly 17 years at the NBC…
Where Does Consciousness Come from? Two Neuroscience Theories Go Head-to-Head
Where Does Consciousness Come From? Two Neuroscience Theories Go Head-to-Head Two leading theories of consciousness went head-to-head—and the results may change how neuroscientists study one of the oldest questions about existence By Allison Parshall edited by Jeanna Bryner Where in the brain does consciousness originate? Theories abound, but neuroscientists still haven’t coalesced around one explanation,…
Heal our planet: Protecting nature for climate
Editor’s note: “Heal our planet, protect our future”: six words driving a global movement to protect nature. Conservation International and our supporters are meeting the moment in an ambitious new campaign. In recognition of this campaign, Conservation News is spotlighting some of our stories and successes from around the world. . For years, Conservation International…
Education Department stops $1 billion in funding for school mental health
Cory Turner The Trump administration says it will stop paying out $1 billion in federal grants that school districts across the country have been using to hire mental health professionals, including counselors and social workers. The U.S. Department of Education is telling impacted districts that the Biden administration, in awarding the grants, violated “the letter…
Powerful earthquake could raise Pacific north-west sea levels ‘dramatically’ – study
Likelihood of potentially devastating quake above 8.0 magnitude in next 50 years is 15%, study states A massive earthquake in the Pacific north-west could rapidly transform areas of the coast from northern California to Washington, causing swaths of land to quickly sink, “dramatically” raising sea level and increasing the flood risk to communities. That’s according…
Mysterious Glowing Structure Discovered Near Solar System
Giant, Glowing Gas Cloud Discovered Just 300 Light-Years Away An enormous glowing cloud that contains approximately 3,400 solar masses worth of gas has been discovered near the solar system By Keith Cooper & SPACE.com A crescent-shaped gas cloud has been spotted on the edge of the so-called Local Bubble, shown here in this artist’s illustration…
Trump’s VA strands thousands of veterans by ending a key mortgage program
By Chris Arnold , Quil Lawrence The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as of Thursday, has ended a new mortgage-rescue program that so far has helped about 20,000 veterans avoid foreclosure and keep their homes. The move leaves millions of military veterans with far worse options than most other American homeowners if they run into…
Inside Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s Simple Friendship
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick are very suspicious of each other’s motives in the movies. Off-screen, it’s not that complicated for the Another Simple Favor stars. Anna Kendrick has teased that Another Simple Favor “really ups the ante” on its predecessor when it comes to twists and turns. While audiences will be the judge of whether…