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, […]
Shifting tuna populations could trigger ‘climate justice issue’: study
Despite their small size, Pacific Island nations and territories are a powerhouse in the fishing industry, contributing more than a third of the global tuna catch. However, the tide could soon turn for these islands — and not for the better. Fueled by greenhouse gas emissions, ocean warming will alter the habitats of tuna, causing…
RFK, Jr. Wants to Let Bird Flu Spread on Poultry Farms. Why Experts Are Concerned
RFK, Jr. Wants to Let Bird Flu Spread on Poultry Farms. Why Experts Are Concerned Health secretary RFK, Jr. has repeatedly suggested that farmers should let bird flu spread through flocks. Experts explain why that’s a dangerous idea By Stephanie Pappas edited by Jeanna Bryner Chickens stand in a henhouse in Petaluma, Calif., on February…
Zelensky says lasting peace achievable this year as he and Trump hail ‘positive’ call
US President Donald Trump has held what he described as a “very good” hour-long phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after speaking to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky said afterwards that he believed that “lasting peace can be achieved this year” under Trump’s leadership. They also discussed possible US ownership of…
Zelensky Agrees in Call With Trump to Halt Strikes on Russian Energy Targets
Russia-Ukraine War President Trump also floated the idea of the United States taking control of Ukrainian power plants, according to U.S. officials. The Ukrainian president said he was not pressured about the proposal. By Shawn McCreeshMichael Crowley and Maria Varenikova Shawn McCreesh and Michael Crowley reported from Washington. Maria Varenikova reported from Kyiv, Ukraine. President…
Kendall Jenner Reacts to Khloe Kardashian’s “Cold” Lamar Odom Reunion
Kendall Jenner said sister Khloe Kardashian could’ve been “gentler” with ex Lamar Odom during her first reunion with the basketball player since their 2016 divorce. Kendall Jenner has some thoughts on how Khloe Kardashian treated Lamar Odom during their reunion. ICYMI: Khloe reunited with her ex-husband for the first time in nine years during the…
Covid ‘benevolence bump’ endures as acts of kindness 10% higher than before 2020
World Happiness Report 2024 finds volunteering more frequent in most regions as Finland tops chart again and Costa Rica and Mexico enter top 10 The world experienced a “benevolence bump” of kindness during the Covid-19 pandemic that has remained, with generous acts more than 10% above pre-pandemic levels. The annual World Happiness Report found that…
Study: Nature has saved us from worst climate impacts — for now
Nature itself has already saved humanity from a climate cataclysm, new research finds. Published today, the study found that without Earth’s complex web of terrestrial and marine ecosystems — known as the biosphere — we would already be seeing far more severe climate impacts than we are now. Using a state-of-the-art computer model of Earth,…
These ecosystems could determine our climate future: study
Nature’s stashes of climate-warming carbon are packed into a small percentage of Earth’s lands, finds a new study that pinpoints the ecosystems humanity must protect to avert a climate disaster. The study, published today in the journal Nature Sustainability, found that half of Earth’s “irrecoverable carbon” — defined as carbon that, if emitted into the…
That UN climate report wasn’t all bad news
So — there was another climate report? Yes. Specifically, the “Working Group III contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC.” Trips right off the tongue, doesn’t it? Not at all. Remind me who the ‘IPCC’ is? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a body of the United Nations. Thousands of scientists contribute to…
News spotlight: What happened to Alaska’s snow crabs? Scientists have a few leads.
Editor’s note: News about conservation and the environment is made every day, but some of it can fly under the radar. In a recurring feature, Conservation News shares a recent news story that you should know about. Deep in the frigid east Bering Sea, snow crabs have historically flourished — supporting Alaska’s $160 million annual…
What is the biodiversity COP and why does it matter?
In a once-in-a-decade opportunity, policymakers from 196 countries are gathered in Montreal to tackle Earth’s “silent crisis” — the massive collapse of biodiversity. Conservation News sat down with Jill Hepp, Conservation International’s senior director of international policy, to discuss what COP15 could mean for building a more sustainable relationship between people and nature. Jill Hepp:…
News spotlight: Could seaweed be our new big climate ally?
Kelp forests are one of the fastest growing ecosystems on Earth — yet because they thrive out of reach of mapping satellites, scientists’ understanding of them has been stymied, Lucy Sherriff reported for the Guardian. A recent study, led by an international group of scientists including Filbee-Dexter, reveals that underwater forests are much more prolific…
Study: Protected forests are a climate powerhouse
Protected forests keep significantly more climate-warming carbon out of the atmosphere than unprotected forests, according to a new study. The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, illustrates just how important protected areas are in the fight to curb climate change. Like a lot of research about earthly ecosystems, this analysis started in outer space. The…
Trump admin. cuts funding for program that tracked Ukrainian children abducted by Russia
By Ailsa Chang , Tinbete Ermyas , Marc Rivers Funding for a U.S.-based program that tracks thousands of Ukrainian children allegedly abducted and taken to Russia has been cut and U.S. lawmakers are worried that a database with crucial information has been permanently deleted, according to a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed…
Demi Moore Shares Sweet Twinning Moment With Ex Bruce Willis
Demi Moore re-shared a sweet video of her and ex-husband Bruce Willis wearing matching outfits and dancing in honor of his 70th birthday. Demi Moore shared a sweet video of another happy day with ex-husband Bruce Willis in honor of his 70th birthday. The Substance star had a heartwarming reaction to a video of her…
Foreign minister ‘strongly condemns’ China’s executions of four Canadians
Mélanie Joly says Ottawa would ask for leniency for other Canadians facing the same fate Canada has strongly condemned the execution of four of its citizens who were put to death in China on drug-smuggling charges, amid lingering diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The minister of foreign affairs, Mélanie Joly, said on Wednesday that…
What Severance Life Would Really Be Like, According to a Psychologist
What Severance Life Would Really Be Like, According to a Psychologist By Jess Thomson edited by Tanya Lewis In Severance, starring Tramell Tillman, Zach Cherry, John Turturro, Britt Lower, and Adam Scott, characters’ work personas inhabit a world that would be psychologically very stressful. Editor’s Note: This story contains spoilers for season two of the…
Mahmoud Khalil’s immigration case moves to New Jersey from New York
Ximena Bustillo A federal judge in New York transferred an immigration petition filed by Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil to New Jersey. The decision on Wednesday offers a compromise in the bellwether case, while Khalil’s lawyers and the Trump administration argue about whether Khalil should have been arrested by immigration authorities in the first…
Jack Schlossberg Slams Donald Trump After JFK Documents Release
After president Donald Trump’s administration released 80,000 previously-sealed documents pertaining to John F. Kennedy’s assassination, JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg issued a scathing statement. Jack Schlossberg is posting up for his grandfather’s legacy. After President Donald Trump’s administration released 80,000 previously-sealed documents about John F. Kennedy’s 1963 assassination, JFK’s grandson shared his thoughts. “President Trump is…
Canadian actor detained at US border in ‘inhumane conditions’ for nearly two weeks
Entrepreneur and actor Jasmine Mooney, who had a role in an American Pie sequel, says she was arrested at southern border and held in detention over an incomplete work visa A Canadian entrepreneur and actor in the American Pie movie franchise said she was detained for almost two weeks in “inhumane” conditions by US border…
Can Europe’s New Military Spending Help Its Economies?
Germany’s Politics The continent’s leaders hope a surge of investment, to fill a security void left by the United States, can ignite growth. It won’t be easy. By Jim TankersleyJeanna Smialek and Melissa Eddy Reporting from Berlin and Brussels From Brussels to Berlin, leaders across Europe are getting ready to spend hundreds of billions to…
Steve Rosenberg: Putin’s conversation with Trump seen as victory in Russia
Judging by some of the headlines today in Russia, Moscow believes that the latest telephone conversation between Presidents Putin and Trump went well – certainly for the Kremlin. “Putin and Trump agreed to work together on Ukraine resolution,” concludes Izvestia. “Record-long Putin-Trump call,” declares Komsomolskaya Pravda. The paper’s website adds: “As things stand Russia has…
Trump waging ‘sickening’ psychological war, deported Venezuelan’s lawyer says
One detained man’s lawyer says he is gay artist who had fled persecution in his home country, not a gang member A lawyer for one of the Venezuelan immigrants sent from the US to a notorious mega prison in El Salvador has accused the Trump administration of waging a “sickening” campaign of psychological warfare against…
In Call With Trump, Putin Concedes Little on Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine War News analysis Although much of what Vladimir V. Putin agreed to during his call with President Trump was spun as a concession, the Russian leader stuck to the positions he has long held. By Paul Sonne Reporting from Berlin When the Kremlin released its summary of President Vladimir V. Putin’s call Tuesday with…
RFK, Jr. Silent as EPA Weakens Mercury Pollution Rules
RFK, Jr., Once Poisoned by Mercury, Is Silent as EPA Weakens Rules against It RFK, Jr. fought mercury pollution for years, but he is now in an administration that wants to make it easier for industries to dump it into the air and water By Ariel Wittenberg & E&E News Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies…
Musk, DOGE violated Constitution, judge says. And, when egg prices might drop
By Brittney Melton here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency likely violated the Constitution when they effectively shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, a federal judge has ruled. President…
Flowy, Floral, and Under $50—Amazon’s Best Spring Dresses Are Here
The reviews are in—these Amazon dresses are a spring must-have and start at just $20. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. Spring is officially in the air, which means it’s time to ditch the heavy layers and slip…
Putin gives Trump bare minimum on Ukraine but the war goes on
In the run up to today’s call, Donald Trump made a big deal of his conversation with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. But the results look like there’s little to shout about. The Russian president has given the US leader just enough to claim that he made progress towards peace in Ukraine, without making it look like…
Astronauts Butch and Suni finally back on Earth
After nine months in space, Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally arrived back on Earth. Their SpaceX capsule made a fast and fiery re-entry through the Earth’s atmosphere, before four parachutes opened to take them to a gentle splashdown off the coast of Florida. A pod of dolphins circled the craft. After…
New report: Without nature, there is no path to a climate-safe future
A clean energy transition is underway to curb planet-heating emissions, with investments in renewables, electric vehicles and energy efficiency expected to top $1.4 trillion this year. The shift — though unevenly distributed across countries — signals real progress. But there is another solution that receives far less attention, not to mention funding: Nature. We cannot…
World falling well short of climate goals, new report finds
The results are in on the world’s first climate change progress report: Drastic improvement is needed — and fast. The report, released Friday, is the technical synthesis report from the Paris Agreement’s Global Stocktake process, which is designed to evaluate the global response to the climate crisis every five years. The report will inform critical…
New film drops beat for ‘climate heroes’
To her fans, DJ and music producer Jayda Guy is the Grammy-nominated artist spinning propulsive dance beats at some of the world’s biggest festivals. But in a new documentary, Guy returns to her “nerdy” roots as a marine scientist — bringing viewers on a journey to explore one of nature’s most potent climate allies: blue…
In Ecuador, a ‘milestone’ effort to protect mangroves — and people
Once underappreciated, mangroves are having a moment. From global initiatives to community-led efforts, work to conserve these climate superstars is gaining traction. Now, a landmark US$ 45.9 million project aims to give Ecuador’s degraded mangroves a new lease on life, local news reported. By protecting and restoring mangroves — potent climate allies that can absorb…
As ghost junk haunts the sea, ‘mermaids’ are fighting back
Sitting on the side of a small boat off the coast of Baja California, suited up in diving gear, a group of 10 women prepared to descend into the chilly waters. Their mission? Remove as much “ghost gear” as possible. Abandoned fishing lines, nets and traps are a pervasive and deadly threat to the world’s…
Federal judge blocks Trump effort to ban transgender troops from military service
Elena Moore A federal judge in Washington D.C. has issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration over its attempt to ban transgender troops from serving in the U.S. military. Tuesday’s decision by U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes temporarily blocks the Department of Defense from carrying through with a policy directive designed to remove…
After 286 Days in Space, NASA Astronauts Return to Earth with a Splash
After 286 Days in Space, NASA Astronauts Return to Earth with a Splash NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams had been “stuck” at the International Space Station since June 6, 2024, after Boeing’s Starliner, the vehicle they rode to get there, ran into multiple hardware problems By Gayoung Lee edited by Lee Billings NASA…
Israeli Strikes on Gaza Kills Over 400, in Breakdown of Cease-Fire
Middle East Tensions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he had ordered the aerial attacks after Hamas’s “repeated refusal” to release the remaining hostages it holds. “This is just the beginning,” he said. By Patrick KingsleyRawan Sheikh AhmadYan ZhuangAaron Boxerman and Michael Levenson Patrick Kingsley, Rawan Sheikh Ahmad and Aaron Boxerman reported from Jerusalem. Israeli…
Mexico City introduces ‘bloodless bullfighting’ in win for animal rights activists
Activists celebrate move, but note that ‘a bull event without violence does not mean one without suffering’ Mexico City’s congress has voted to ban traditional bullfights and replace them with a new form of bloodless spectacle, marking the latest episode in a years-long legal battle to outlaw the practice in the capital. Animal rights activists…
Putin agrees in Trump call to pause Ukraine energy attacks but no full ceasefire
President Vladimir Putin has rejected an immediate and full ceasefire in Ukraine, agreeing only to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, following a call with US President Donald Trump. The Russian leader declined to sign up to the comprehensive month-long ceasefire that Trump’s team recently worked out with Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia. He said a comprehensive…
Leading Garifuna musician was among 13 people dead in Honduras air crash
Aurelio Martínez was killed after plane crashed while taking off from Roatán island in Caribbean Garifuna leaders have paid tribute to a prominent musician from their community who died in a plane crash that killed at least 13 people off the coast of Honduras. Aurelio Martínez was onboard a Lanhsa Airlines flight that crashed into…
Best-Yet ‘Baby Pictures’ of the Universe Unveiled
Best-Yet ‘Baby Pictures’ of the Universe Unveiled By Lee Billings edited by Dean Visser Sometimes, a picture can be worth much more than a thousand words. For instance, one measure associated with the pictures below—new high-definition snapshots of the cosmos in its infancy—is 1,900 “zetta-suns.” If you’re enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism…
Southern Charm’s Craig Conover Grilled About Paige DeSorbo’s “New Guy”
Southern Charm‘s Craig Conover emotionally reflected on his messy breakup with ex Paige DeSorbo in the explosive trailer for the Bravo series’ season 10 reunion, premiering March 27. Craig Conover is in the hot seat. The Southern Charm star is grilled about his messy breakup with girlfriend of three years Paige DeSorbo in the first…
How I Diagnosed My Rare Neurological Condition after Decades of Hiding It
A personal quest and progress in brain science finally put a name on baffling behaviors By Paul Marino edited by Mark Fischetti As far back as I can remember, I did this “thing” when I was excited or engrossed. I brought my hands up, flickered my fingers against one another and grimaced. My imagination zoomed.…
Pelicot’s Daughter Pursues Conviction That He Raped Her, Too
Her mother, Gisèle, was at the center of a trial that gripped France and made her a feminist icon. But it left Caroline Darian with her own pains and suspicions unanswered. By Catherine Porter Catherine Porter reported on the mass rape trial of Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men over four months from southern France.…
Hope for endangered penguins as no-fishing zones agreed off South Africa
Deal will restrict fishing near colonies on Robben Island and Bird Island for 10 years, after long debate between industry and conservationists Efforts to stop the critically endangered African penguin from going extinct took a step forward on Tuesday after South African conservationists and fishing industry groups reached a legal settlement on no-fishing zones around…
German lawmakers approve huge defense and infrastructure spending
By The Associated Press BERLIN — Germany’s would-be next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, won lawmakers’ approval Tuesday for ambitious plans to loosen the nation’s strict debt rules for higher defense spending as doubts mount about the strength of the trans-Atlantic alliance, and to set up an enormous fund for investment in its creaking infrastructure. Merz passed…
At-a-glance: The key changes to the benefits system
The government has announced plans for major changes to the benefits system aimed at cutting the growing amount the UK spends on welfare. Pip is paid to people in England and Wales who have difficulty completing everyday tasks or getting around as a result of a long-term physical or mental health condition. It is not…
Should Kids Do Chores?
Opinion The Science of ParentingMondays Should Kids Do Chores? They may tell us they hate chores, but kids who help around the house report feeling accomplished and competent, not to mention happy By Megha Satyanarayana edited by Jeanna Bryner Cut through the claims: Get email alerts for this weekly column I often ask my kids…
White House denies violating judge’s order with Venezuela deportations
Trump administration used Alien Enemies Act to deport about 250 alleged gang members to El Salvador The White House has denied allegations that it engaged in a “a blatant violation” of a judge’s order by deporting about 250 Venezuelan alleged gang members to El Salvador on Saturday, with the US border czar appearing to contradict…
Music Festival Packing Guide: Body Chains & Head Scarves to Pack
These must-have accessories will take your festival fit from cute to iconic. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. The weather’s warming up, Daylight Savings has passed (hello, longer days!), and Spring Break plans are being locked in. That…
Trump tests executive power. And, hundreds killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza
By Brittney Melton here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Israel launched surprise overnight airstrikes in Gaza early Tuesday, killing over 410 people and injuring hundreds more, according to Gaza health officials. The strikes are the most intense violence…
Yoga mats and VR headsets added to list measuring cost of living
Both items have made their way into the basket of goods and services used by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to calculate inflation. The basket contains 752 items. The ONS collects the costs of these products and services across many different retailers to come up with the monthly inflation figures. That figure, currently showing…
Trump and Putin to Discuss Ukraine in Phone Call: What to Know
Russia-Ukraine War The call will be the first known conversation between the two leaders since Ukraine agreed to support a U.S.-backed monthlong cease-fire, as long as Russia does the same By Constant Méheut and Ivan Nechepurenko President Trump and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia are expected to speak on Tuesday as Washington pushes for…
Robin Thicke’s Son Julian Is All Grown Up in Rare Red Carpet Outing
Robin Thicke’s teenage son Julian, who he shares with ex Paula Patton, joined his dad at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles March 17, marking his first red carpet appearance since 2023. The 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards were a family affair for Robin Thicke. The “Blurred Lines” singer brought his 14-year-old son Julian…
Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on Gaza with at least 220 reportedly killed
The Israeli military says it is carrying out “extensive strikes” in the Gaza Strip, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting that at least 130 Palestinians have been killed. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was targeting what it called “terror targets” belonging to Hamas. Mahmoud Abu Wafah, the deputy interior minister in Gaza and…
Israel launches deadly series of attacks on Gaza
James Hider Israel has launched a wave of deadly attacks against Gaza, a move that appears to have put an end to the fragile ceasefire that came into effect almost two months ago and aimed at ending almost 16 months of war. Palestinian doctors said that at least a dozen people had been killed with…
White House’s defense for not recalling deportations ‘one heck of a stretch’, says judge
Administration claims it didn’t stop flights despite judge’s instructions because he did not write it in the formal order The Trump administration claimed to a federal judge on Monday that it did not recall deportation flights of hundreds of suspected Venezuelan gang members over the weekend despite his specific instructions because that was not expressly…
Scientists Create ‘Pockets’ of Music from Inaudible Ultrasound Waves
Bending Ultrasonic Beams Creates ‘Audible Enclaves’ Where They Cross Inaudible ultrasonic beams steered around obstacles can create pockets of sound in an otherwise quiet room, acoustics experts report By Dan Vergano edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Are you tired of earbuds? Are headphones too heavy? “Pockets” of audible noise…
Nary a Critical Word: Bill Gates’s Close Bond With Narendra Modi
The relationship between the billionaire philanthropist and the Indian leader helps both men meet their missions. But it also papers over the erosion of rights under Mr. Modi. By Anupreeta Das Reporting from New Delhi In September 2019, Bill Gates presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India with an award on behalf of his philanthropic…
A U.S. airman is charged in death of a South Dakota woman who had vanished in August
By Joe Hernandez Law enforcement authorities in South Dakota say a woman who had been missing since last summer was murdered by a member of the U.S. Air Force. Quinterius Chappelle was arrested on a federal charge of second-degree murder in the death of Sahela Sangrait, according to a social media post by the Pennington…