How Supermassive Black Holes Can Become Cosmic Nightmares
The UniverseFridays Do We Live in a Haunted Galaxy? Huge eruptions from the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole in the distant past may have sterilized much of the inner galaxy By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait Galaxies are spooky […]
Why an interstellar comet has scientists excited
Jaclyn Diaz An ancient comet that entered our solar system this summer is offering a rare opportunity to learn more about distant planetary systems far beyond the reach of any spacecraft, researchers say. The comet is special both because it is interstellar — meaning it came from outside our solar system — and also because […]
Did Astronomers Photograph UFOs Orbiting Earth in the 1950s?
UFOs Are Just One Explanation for Mysterious Patterns in Old Telescope Data New peer-reviewed research reporting strange lights in the pre-space-age sky is sparking curiosity and controversy By Jonathan O’Callaghan edited by Lee Billings For generations, UFO enthusiasts have longed for claims of aliens visiting Earth to be seriously investigated by scientists. Now they are […]
Dungeons & Dragons – Starter Set: Heroes of The Borderlands
For many, Dungeons & Dragons may seem like a insurmountable entry point to the world of RPGs, and, in many ways, especially without at least one seasoned veteran in your group, it isn’t necessarily an incorrect assumption. The all new Dungeons & Dragons – Starter Set: Heroes of The Borderlands aims to eliminate that hurdle […]
Kickstarter Tabletop Alert: Time Loop Shenanigans in ‘Chronofiends!!’
The research station is stuck in an ever-shrinking time loop—use your time-manipulating powers to accomplish your objectives before time runs out! Chronofiends!! (yes, the exclamation points are part of the title) is a cooperative time-loop game for 1 to 4 players, ages 13 and up, and takes about 90 minutes to play. It’s currently seeking […]
Penn Badgley Vows He’ll “Never” Do This in Gossip Girl Universe
Penn Badgley exclusively told E! News that he would “never” participate in a crossover show where his You character Joe Goldberg does the voiceover narration for a Gossip Girl reboot. Spotted: Penn Badgley‘s You character steering clear of the Upper East Side. “There’s the obvious joke that that narrating all of Gossip Girl with Joe’s…
Venezuela accuses El Salvador of human trafficking as prisoners caught in row between authoritarians
Nayib Bukele offered to exchange 252 Venezuelan migrants deported to El Salvador for 252 prisoners in Venezuela Venezuela’s chief prosecutor has accused El Salvador’s president of being a “tyrannical” human trafficker after Nayib Bukele offered to exchange the 252 Venezuelan migrants deported to his country’s prisons by Donald Trump for the same number of political…
Mahmoud Khalil misses son’s birth after ICE official denies his request to be there
Adrian Florido Immigration authorities denied an urgent request by Mahmoud Khalil to be temporarily released from detention, under monitoring, so he could attend the birth of his first child. His wife, Noor Abdalla, delivered their son on Monday in New York. Khalil, who is being held at a remote Louisiana detention center, instead experienced part…
Who is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the Vatican?
When the world learned of Pope Francis’ death on Monday morning, an Irish-American cardinal, little known in the wider world, was the one to break the news. After announcing that the pope had “returned to the home of the Father”, Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell took on one of his biggest roles yet: the “camerlengo”, or…
Earth Month: Reimagining conservation for the benefit of all
Editor’s note: April is Earth Month, when we honor humanity’s shared responsibility for nature and the climate. At Conservation International, this responsibility drives us — and in honor of Earth Month, Conservation News is highlighting stories of our impact. We hope that this inspires you to carry the spirit of Earth Month throughout the year.…
Hailey Bieber Shares Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis
Hailey Bieber said she has been diagnosed with two ovarian cysts after giving birth to her and husband Justin Bieber’s son Jack Blues Bieber in 2024. Hailey Bieber is getting candid about her health. Less than a year after giving birth to her and husband Justin Bieber‘s son Jack Blues Bieber, the Rhode Skin founder…
Final days of Pope who joined Vatican crowds at Easter despite doctors’ advice
At midday on Monday, church bells across Italy began to toll. Pope Francis was dead. Not even 24 hours had passed since he had made a surprise appearance on the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square, blessing the 35,000 people gathered to celebrate Easter at the Vatican. The Pope was breathing on his own, without oxygen…
Haiti nearing ‘point of no return’ amid gang violence, UN representative warns
María Isabel Salvador tells security council the country could face ‘total chaos’ without necessary international aid Haiti, where rampant gang violence has surged in recent weeks, is approaching a “point of no return” leading to “total chaos”, the UN special representative to the troubled Caribbean nation has warned. “As gang violence continues to spread to…
The boy from Buenos Aires who became leader of the Catholic Church
His ascension to the papacy heralded many firsts. Francis was the first Pope from the Americas or the Southern Hemisphere. Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome. He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St Peter – Jesuits were historically…
Quantum Computer Makes Random-Number Breakthrough
Quantum Randomness Could Create a Spoof-Proof Internet Quantinuum’s 56-bit trapped-ion computer has succeeded in demonstrating randomness in quantum circuits to establish secure, private connections By Gayoung Lee & Lee Billings Quantinuum’s vacuum chamber. The allure of quantum computers is, at its heart, quite simple: by leveraging counterintuitive quantum effects, they could perform computational feats utterly…
See Kylie Jenner’s Kids Stormi and Aire’s Sweet Full Circle Moment
Kylie Jenner tested her son Aire Webster’s patience in a viral candy challenge, five years after she did the same with her oldest Stormi Webster. Aire Webster has already mastered the art of patience. Five years after Kylie Jenner put Stormi Webster to the test with the viral fruit snack challenge, she decided it was…
The time NPR’s Sylvia Poggioli came face-to-face with Pope Francis
Sylvia Poggioli Reporting for NPR from Rome, I covered the last three popes. My first encounter with Pope John Paul II was in 1983, when I was a budding radio reporter. It was a ceremonial event welcoming journalists. When he walked by me, I pulled out my microphone, broke the no-question protocol and asked, “When…
Wild chimpanzees filmed by scientists bonding over alcoholic fruit
Humans have gathered to feast and enjoy a tipple together for thousands of years, but research suggests chimpanzees may also bond over a boozy treat. Wild chimpanzees in west Africa have been observed sharing fruit containing alcohol – not in quantities to get roaring drunk but, possibly, enough for a fuzzy beer buzz feeling. The…
Indigenous river campaigner from Peru wins prestigious Goldman prize
Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari led a successful legal battle to protect the Marañon River in the Peruvian Amazon An Indigenous campaigner and women’s leader from the Peruvian Amazon has been awarded the prestigious Goldman prize for environmental activists, after leading a successful legal campaign that led to the river where her people, the Kukama, live…
See some of the most memorable moments from Pope Francis’ papacy
By Daniel Burke There’s an old saying often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words. While St. Francis likely never said those words, Pope Francis, who took his papal name from the 13th century saint, seemed to use them as a mission statement. Like all popes,…
Pope Francis Dead at 88
Pope Francis, who was named the head of the Catholic Church in 2013, died following a series of health complications. He was 88. The Catholic Church has lost its leader. Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) died on April 21 at age 88, the Vatican confirmed. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis,…
The Real Reason Autism Rates Are Rising
RFK, Jr., Is Wrong about Cause of Rising Autism Rates, Scientists Say Autism rates are rising, but RFK, Jr., is wrong about the reasons. Here’s what the science says By Stephanie Pappas edited by Jeanna Bryner Research suggests that autism is between 60 and 90 percent heritable. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., head of the Department…
Germany seeks to deport an American and 3 EU citizens after pro-Palestinian protest
By Fatima Al-Kassab LONDON — Berlin’s Immigration Office has told three European Union citizens and one American they are to be deported from Germany this week over alleged actions at protests against Israel’s war in Gaza. Their cases have not yet been heard in court. The four demonstrators — two from Ireland, one from Poland…
El Salvador’s president proposes swapping US-deported Venezuelans with Maduro’s ‘political prisoners’
Venezuela’s chief prosecutor hits back at ‘cynical’ offer by ‘neofascist’ Salvadoran leader and demands rights for Venezuelan prisoners El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, has proposed sending 252 Venezuelans deported from the US and imprisoned in his country to Venezuela, in exchange for “political prisoners” held by Venezuela. On Sunday, Bukele asked that the Venezuelan president,…
Better Refrigerators, Washing Machines, Furniture and Tires Are Mandated for Europe’s Circular Economy
Europe Targets Clothes, Appliances and Tires in Crackdown on Wasteful Consumerism New European Union regulations will require products that last longer and are easier to recycle By James Fernyhough & E&E News Join Our Community of Science Lovers! CLIMATEWIRE | BRUSSELS — Textiles, furniture, tires and mattresses will be subject to much stricter design standards…
Kristen Stewart Marries Dylan Meyer in Intimate Los Angeles Ceremony
Kristen Stewart married Dylan Meyer during an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles April 20, over three years after the Twilight actress confirmed her engagement to the screenwriter. Hold on tight for this news: Kristen Stewart are Dylan Meyer are married. The Twilight actress and the screenwriter tied the knot during an intimate ceremony at their…
China warns nations against ‘appeasing’ US in trade deals
China has warned countries against appeasing the US in trade talks over President Donald Trump’s tariffs. A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson made the comments in response to reports that Washington plans to put pressure on governments to restrict trade with Beijing in exchange for exemptions to US import taxes. The Trump administration has started talks…
Ukraine and Russia trade blame for breaking ‘Easter truce’
Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of breaching a 30-hour “Easter truce” announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Russian troops had violated the ceasefire “more than 2,000 times” since the start of Sunday. Russia’s defence ministry said it had “repelled” assaults by Ukraine and accused Kyiv of…
US citizen wrongfully arrested by border patrol in Arizona held for nearly 10 days
Official claimed Jose Hermosillo, who was visiting Arizona, was ‘without the proper immigration documents’ Immigration officials detained a US citizen for nearly 10 days in Arizona, according to court records and press reports. As the NPR affiliate Arizona Public Media, first reported, 19-year-old Jose Hermosillo, a New Mexico resident visiting Arizona, was detained by border…
Trump faces bipartisan criticism over Abrego Garcia deportation
Luke Garrett The Trump administration received bipartisan criticism on Sunday for its deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a Salvadorian citizen who lived in Maryland and was deported to a prison in El Salvador due to an “administrative error.” Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., called the deportation a “screw up” though he stopped short of pushing…
Why Astronomers Doubt Claims That Planet K2-18 b Finding Means Alien Life
Why Astronomers Are Not Sold on New Alien Life Claims NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope detected an intriguing compound in the atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18 b, but scientists are divided about what the chemical means By Alexandra Witze & Nature magazine Artist’s impression of the exoplanet K2-18b. The announcement has been met with floods…
Elizabeth Hurley’s Son Damian Reacts to Billy Ray Cyrus Romance
Elizabeth Hurley’s son Damian Hurley responded to her and Billy Ray Cyrus’ surprise Easter 2025 kiss photo using no words at all. Elizabeth Hurley‘s son Damian Hurley needed no words to express how he feels about her romance with Billy Ray Cyrus. After the Austin Powers actress and country star shared a PDA-filled photo of themselves…
Scientific American Editor Gary Stix Talks about His 35 Years of Editing the Magazine
Hear takeaways from 35 years at Scientific American from Gary Stix, our recently retired mind and brain editor. By Rachel Feltman, Gary Stix, Fonda Mwangi & Alex Sugiura Rachel Feltman: For Scientific American’s Science Quickly, I’m Rachel Feltman. It goes without saying that a lot has changed at Scientific American since our first issue came…
Israeli probe into killing of 15 Palestinian medics finds ‘professional failures’
By The Associated Press JERUSALEM — An Israeli investigation into the killings of 15 Palestinian medics last month in Gaza by Israeli forces said Sunday it found “professional failures” and a deputy commander will be fired. Israel at first claimed that the medics’ vehicles did not have emergency signals on when troops opened fire but…
Extend Time Between Haircuts and Treat Split Ends With a $7 Must-Have
Reach your long hair goals and seal split ends with this leave-in conditioner that has 11,500+ 5-star Amazon reviews. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. If you’ve ever Googled “how to grow long hair” or “how to treat…
‘Operational misunderstanding’ led to killing of Gaza medics, IDF inquiry says
The Israeli military has said an “operational misunderstanding” led to the killing of 14 emergency workers in Gaza last month. An inquiry into the incident by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) found a series of failings. It said the killing of a UN worker shortly afterwards was “a breach of orders during a combat setting”.…
Nvidia’s CEO makes surprise visit to Beijing after US restricts chip sales to China
Jensen Huang causes stir on social media and is reported to have met founder of AI company DeepSeek The chief executive of the American chip maker Nvidia visited Beijing on Thursday, days after the US issued fresh restrictions on sales of the only AI chip it was still allowed to sell to China. Jensen Huang’s…
Uyghur rights group calls on hotel chains not to ‘sanitise’ China abuses in Xinjiang
Growth in international hotels coincides with government effort to push region as a tourism destination Almost 200 international hotels are operating or planning to open in Xinjiang, despite calls from human rights groups for global corporations not to help “sanitise” the Chinese government’s human rights abuses in the region, a report has said. The report…
What Are ORCs? Astronomers Still Don’t Know
The UniverseFridays Strange Circles in the Sky Are Still Baffling Astronomers ORCs—odd radio circles—are one of the weirdest recent discoveries in the heavens above By Phil Plait edited by Lee Billings Stay connected to The Universe: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Phil Plait It’s rare these days for astronomers to find a…
NASA’s Next Major Space Telescope Is Ready to Launch. Trump Wants to Kill It and Other Vital Science
NASA’s Next Major Space Telescope Is Ready to Launch. Trump Wants to Kill It and Other Vital Science Amid harsh cuts, the Trump administration has proposed canceling the nearly ready-to-launch Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope By Nadia Drake edited by Dan Vergano The Nancy Grace Roman Telescope is designed to observe hundreds of millions of…
Police algorithm said Lina was at ‘medium’ risk. Then she was killed
In January, Lina went to the police. Her ex-partner had been threatening her at home in the Spanish seaside town of Benalmádena. That day, he’d allegedly raised his hand as if to hit her. “There had been violent episodes – she was scared,” Lina’s cousin Daniel recalls. When she got to the police station, she…
Tunisian court hands prison sentences of up to 66 years in mass trial of regime opponents
Opposition says trial was staged to entrench president Kais Saied’s authoritarian rule A Tunisian court has handed down prison sentences of 13 to 66 years to politicians, businessmen and lawyers in a mass trial that opponents say is fabricated and a symbol of president Kais Saied’s authoritarian rule. Businessman Kamel Ltaif received the longest sentence…
Ukraine wary of Putin’s Easter truce and says it will reciprocate only a genuine ceasefire
By The Associated Press Ukraine said it would reciprocate any genuine ceasefire by Moscow, but voiced skepticism after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter truce in Ukraine starting Saturday. The announcement from Kyiv came as Russia and Ukraine conducted their largest prisoner exchange since Moscow’s full-scale invasion started over three years ago. Putin…
Brittany Cartwright Reacts to RFK Jr.’s Autism Comments
Vanderpump Rules alum Brittany Cartwright shared her thoughts on RFK Jr.’s remarks about autism a week after revealing her and ex Jax Taylor’s son Cruz, 3, has been diagnosed with the disorder. After sharing her son’s autism diagnosis, Brittany Cartwright is speaking out against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.‘s controversial claims about the disorder. The Valley…
Microplastics Make It into Your Food through Plant Leaves
Plant Leaves Absorb Microplastics—And They End Up in Our Food By Willie Peijnenburg & Nature magazine Plants can absorb plastic particles directly from the air. Plastic production is increasing sharply. This has raised concerns about the effects of microplastics (typically defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimetres in diameter) and nanoplastics (smaller plastic particles…
She grew up believing she was a U.S. citizen. Then she applied for a passport
Juliana Kim For the better part of A’s life, she never suspected anything was wrong. She breezed through getting her driver’s license. She applied to college and filed her taxes year after year without any hiccups. That is, until she applied for her passport. Suddenly, the document she always relied on — a delayed registration…
‘I love my country but nobody is safe’: the plight of Cameroon’s exiles, trapped in Nigeria
English-speaking minority refugees caught up in clashes between the military and separatists are stranded in neighbouring country Amid the sound of children excitedly practising a drama for a forthcoming performance, a yam seller calls to passers by with discounts for their wares. Outside a closed graphic design shop overlooking them from a small hill, Solange…
RHOC Alum Lydia McLaughlin’s Brother Geoffrey Stirling Shot Dead at 45
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lydia McLaughlin is mourning the death of her brother Geoffrey “Geoff” Stirling Jr., who was shot dead by police during a confrontation on the side of a road. The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Lydia McLaughlin and her family are mourning a tragic loss. The former Bravo star’s…
Zelensky says Russian attacks ongoing despite Putin announcing ‘Easter truce’
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he has ordered his forces to “stop all military activity” in Ukraine, as he declared an “Easter truce” until the end of Sunday. He said the 30-hour truce would last until 22:00 BST on Sunday (00:00 Moscow time), adding that Russian forces should be prepared to respond to “any possible…
Trump Administration’s Science Cuts Come for NSF Funding
Trump Administration’s Science Cuts Come for NSF Funding The National Science Foundation, which funds key science and engineering research, is the latest U.S. agency to be disrupted by Elon Musk’s DOGE By Dan Garisto & Nature magazine Some researchers receiving grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation use its ice core facility in Lakewood, Colorado,…
Man on first date admits dangerous driving after A1 police crash
A personal trainer who caused a pile-up of police cars as he fled from them while he was taking a woman home from a first date has admitted dangerous driving. Seven officers were injured and five police cars damaged when the force vehicles crashed into each other on the A1 near the Newcastle and Gateshead…
Iran and the U.S. plan expert-level talks over Tehran’s nuclear program
By The Associated Press ROME — Iran and the United States will begin having experts meet to discuss details of a possible deal over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, the top Iranian diplomat said Saturday after a second round of negotiations in Rome. The comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who met with U.S.…
¡Ay, Caramba! Here’s the Ultimate Simpsons Gift Guide
Show your love for the greatest family to ever live at 742 Evergreen Terrace and celebrate World Simpsons Day in style. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. If you can believe it, The Simpsons is turning 36 this…
US forges ahead with plans for steep port fees on China-built vessels
New rules part of effort to revive US shipbuilding, but penalties scaled back after warnings about impact on consumers The Trump administration is forging ahead with plans to charge steep fees on Chinese-built ships for stopping at US ports in an effort to revive its shipbuilding industry, but scaled back the penalties after warnings about…
China pits humanoid robots against humans in half-marathon for first time
Twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing Twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing on Saturday, the first time these machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-kilometre (13-mile) course. The robots from Chinese manufacturers such as DroidVP and Noetix Robotics came in…
Why Ellen DeGeneres, Eva Longoria and More Stars Left Hollywood
In a recent interview, Cate Blanchett said she was “serious about giving up acting” one day. See stars who have already taken a break from the craft or just moved away from Hollywood. Cate Blanchett is considering her next act. “My family roll their eyes every time I say it, but I mean it. I…
Supreme Court blocks, for now, new deportations under 18th century wartime law
By The Associated Press The Supreme Court on Saturday blocked, for now, the deportations of any Venezuelans held in northern Texas under an 18th century wartime law. In a brief order, the court directed the Trump administration not to remove Venezuelans held in the Bluebonnet Detention Center “until further order of this court.” Justices Clarence…
Trump Tariffs Hit Oil Companies despite Administration‘s Support for Fossil Fuels
America’s ‘Golden Era’ of Oil Is Already Losing Its Glitter Liberty Energy, founded by Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, reports falling profits, and the industry cites tariffs as a driver By Benjamin Storrow & E&E News Join Our Community of Science Lovers! CLIMATEWIRE | The oil company founded by Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported falling…
Ukraine minerals deal may not buy peace after Trump threat
Ukraine started the day with, for once, the diplomatic wind in its sails. It had finally agreed a mineral deal “framework” with Washington. An agreement that would see the US invest in Ukraine’s recovery, in return for a share of the country’s future profits from its natural resources, energy infrastructure and its oil and gas.…
Researchers Discover New Color That’s Impossible to See without Lasering Your Retinas
This Impossible New Color Is So Rare That Only Five People Have Seen It Researchers discover a new color outside the range of human color vision, but you have to laser your retinas to see it By Jacek Krywko edited by Allison Parshall Teal is as close as you can get to seeing the new…
‘It’s really hard to have any hope’: Gaza doctor describes daily struggle
Healthcare in the Gaza Strip is itself a casualty of 18 months of war between Israel and Hamas. With doctors struggling to cope, the BBC followed one GP through her shift at a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic. “With our limited resources we’re still trying to be here in northern Gaza through these difficult times,”…
China dismisses Zelenskyy’s claim it has supplied weapons to Russia
Beijing rejects Ukrainian president’s accusation as ‘groundless’ and says it is committed to ending the conflict China’s foreign ministry has dismissed as “groundless” the accusation by Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the country had been supplying weapons to Russia. The comments, made at a regular press briefing in Beijing on Friday, came a day after the Ukrainian…
Woman’s Killer, Who Left Her 3-Year-Old Unharmed, Found 50 Years Later
Fifty years after Phyllis Bailer was found dead on the side of a road with her 3-Year-Old daughter unharmed, police have identified Fred Allen Lienemann as the man responsible for her murder. An Indiana woman’s 50-year-old murder case is finally getting answers. Five decades after she was found dead in a ditch on the side…
ACLU warns hundreds of Venezuelans face immediate deportation under Alien Enemies Act despite Supreme Court decision
Jasmine Garsd The American Civil Liberties Union late Friday warned that immigration authorities were moving to quickly restart removals under the Alien Enemies Act despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s restrictions on how it can use the act. Late Thursday a group of Venezuelans detained in a Texas facility was advised that they would be immediately…
Bryan Kohberger Case: Judge’s Eyebrow-Raising Ruling Ahead of Trial
Ahead of Bryan Kohberger’s trial in the University of Idaho murders later this year, a presiding judge ruled on specific wording that can and can’t be used in court. Bryan Kohberger’s case is moving forward—with some eye-catching conditions. As the 30-year-old’s trial for the 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin…