Pet Life
Intellectually disabled teen shot by Idaho police dies after being removed from life support
By The Associated Press BOISE — An autistic, nonverbal teenage boy who was shot repeatedly by Idaho police from the other side of a chain link fence while he was holding a knife died Saturday after being removed from life support, his family said. Victor Perez, 17, who also had cerebral palsy, had been in…
Federal judge orders USDA to unfreeze funds to Maine
Juliana Kim A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to unfreeze federal funding that was allocated to Maine from the U.S. Department of Agriculture — funds that had been withheld following President Trump’s clash with Maine Gov. Janet Mills over the issue of transgender athletes. U.S. District Court Judge John Woodcock granted Maine’s request for…
Crows Are Surprisingly Good at Geometry
Crows Are Good at Geometry. Don’t Look So Surprised Crows can tell the shapes of stars from those of moons and symmetrical quadrilaterals from unsymmetrical ones, new results show By Gayoung Lee edited by Allison Parshall Carrion Crow (Corvus corone). Crows sometimes have a bad rap: they’re said to be loud and disruptive, and myths…
Trump’s Immigration Tactics Leave U.S. Vulnerable to Bird Flu Spread
U.S. Bird Flu Response Suffers as Farm Workers Fear Deportation As the bird flu outbreak continues, public health outreach to farm workers is meeting fear and resistance amid Trump’s attacks on immigrants By Amy Maxmen & KFF Health News U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents walk down a street during a multi-agency targeted enforcement…
Mpox Outbreak in Africa Traced Back to Squirrels
Scientists May Have Finally Found the Mysterious Animal Hosts of Mpox A team of researchers traced the wild animal source of the mpox virus to the fire-footed rope squirrel By Jane Qiu & Nature magazine Cuvier’s fire-footed squirrel (Funisciurus pyrrhopus) in a tree. One of the great mysteries of the monkeypox virus has been pinpointing…
China fires back after Pete Hegseth calls country a threat to Panama canal
Chinese government asks: ‘Who represents the real threat?’ after US defense secretary vows to keep canal secure US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that the Panama canal faces ongoing threats from China but that together the United States and Panama will keep it secure. Hegseth’s remarks triggered a fiery response from the…
Breakthrough Prize Winner Gerard ’t Hooft Says Quantum Mechanics Is ‘Nonsense’
Quantum Physics Is on the Wrong Track, Says Breakthrough Prize Winner Gerard ’t Hooft After netting the world’s highest-paying science award, preeminent theoretical physicist Gerard ’t Hooft reflects on his legacy and the future of physics By Lee Billings Gerard ’t Hooft. In the pantheon of modern physics, few figures can match the quiet authority…
Dennis Gaitsgory Wins Breakthrough Prize for Solving Part of Math’s Grand Unified Theory
Dennis Gaitsgory, Who Proved Part of Math’s Grand Unified Theory, Wins Breakthrough Prize By solving part of the Langlands program, a mathematical proof that was long thought to be unachievable, Dennis Gaitsgory snags a prestigious Breakthrough Prize By Manon Bischoff edited by Jeanna Bryner Dennis Gaitsgory, of the Max Planck Institute for Mathematics, has won…
Defrocked former D.C. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick dies at 94
By The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Theodore McCarrick, a once-powerful Catholic cardinal who was defrocked by Pope Francis in 2019 after a Vatican investigation determined he had molested adults and children, has died. He was 94. Archbishop of Washington Robert McElroy issued a statement Friday confirming McCarrick’s death a day earlier but provided no details.…
Ahead of pandemic talks, this doctor has nature on his mind
Dr. Neil Vora has spent much of his career chasing and treating infectious disease outbreaks, from the Ebola epidemic in West Africa to COVID-19 in New York City. His prescription for stopping the next one: Protect nature. two-thirds of emerging infectious diseases are caused by pathogens that originate in animals that have jumped into people…
Bonobo Calls Are More like Human Language Than We Thought
Bonobos’ Complex Calls Share an Extraordinary Trait with Human Language Bonobos’ grunts, peeps and whistles may share an advanced linguistic property with human language By Cody Cottier edited by Allison Parshall We humans concoct never-before-heard sentences with ease, embedding phrases within phrases to express the wildest ideas we can dream up (“the purple pangolin that…
Expert: To prevent pandemics like COVID-19, ‘take care of nature’
This post was updated on May 13, 2020. Likely sourced to a live animal and fish market in China, COVID-19 has spread around the world at lightning speed, infecting more than 4.2 million people and killing nearly 300,000 people to date. Many countries are taking severe measures to stem the virus’s spread, from locking down…
Big Banks Quietly Prepare for Catastrophic Climate Change
Big Banks Quietly Prepare for Catastrophic Warming Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan and an international banking group have quietly concluded that climate change will likely exceed the Paris Agreement’s 2 degree goal and are examining how to maintain profits By Corbin Hiar & E&E News CLIMATEWIRE | Top Wall Street institutions are preparing for a severe future…
Supersymmetry’s Long Fall from Grace
Supersymmetry Washes Out at the Large Hadron Collider Supersymmetry, long considered the golden child of theoretical physics, has officially lost its luster at the world’s reigning particle accelerator By Eleni Petrakou edited by Lee Billings The Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector assembly in a tunnel of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at the European Organization…
Charity faces legal action after relocated elephants in Malawi allegedly kill 10 people
People living near Kasungu national park say they are living in fear after translocation of 263 elephants by International Fund for Animal Welfare People living on the edge of a protected area in Malawi are taking legal action against an NGO that moved more than 250 elephants into the area, which they say have killed…
Vice President Vance is going to Greenland this week. The itinerary has shifted
Deepa Shivaram Vice President JD Vance said on Tuesday that he would join his wife, second lady Usha Vance, on a trip to Greenland this week after an earlier announcement of her plans for a cultural visit to the Danish territory received an icy reception. The trip comes as President Trump has continued to muse…
Setting Parental Controls Is Not As Complicated As You Think
Opinion The Science of ParentingMondays Setting Parental Controls Is Not As Complicated As You Think Programming devices with parental controls may seem daunting, but they can help parents ensure what their kids find on TV and the Internet is age-appropriate By Jacqueline Nesi Cut through the claims: Get email alerts for this weekly column Recently…
Brazil apologizes to families of victims of military dictatorship’s mass grave
By The Associated Press Dozens of families are still waiting to know whether their parents, children, siblings and friends are in one of more than 1,000 blue bags discovered in 1990 in a ditch in a São Paulo cemetery in the isolated district of Perus. That was the first of many mass graves uncovered by…
Pregnant Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce Mourn Death of Dog Baloo
As they prepare for baby No. 4, Kylie Kelce and Jason Kelce are navigating the loss of their Irish woldhound Baloo, who died one year after the death of their dog Winnie. As they prepare to expand their family, Kylie Kelce, Jason Kelce and their three daughters are navigating a tragic loss. The host of…
Hundreds arrested in Turkey in protests against the detention of Istanbul’s mayor
By The Associated Press ISTANBUL — Prosecutors early Sunday requested that detained Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, the top challenger to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, be formally arrested over allegations of corruption and terror links. A court is now set to decide whether the popular opposition figure will be charged and jailed pending a trial. The…
Women conservation leaders ‘a tide lifting everyone’
The climate crisis affects women disproportionately: They’re 14 times more likely to die during a disaster and constitute 80 percent of all climate refugees. But a new wave of women conservation leaders is spearheading efforts around the world to prevent and adapt to the impacts wrought by climate breakdown. ELLE magazine dedicated its July issue…
Study: To make conservation go ‘viral,’ keep it simple, social
What makes a video go “viral”? What makes people stand in line for hours to buy a new smartphone or eat at a hip restaurant? And what does any of that have to do with conservation? A new study suggests that some of the same features that make a new gadget popular, such as simplicity,…
The doctor is in: Indonesia’s whale sharks get annual check-up
Imagine swimming with a shark as big as a bus. Now imagine trying to measure, tag and take blood samples from this shark — giving it a physical, as in a typical doctor’s visit — but underwater and in less than 30 minutes. For nine days, I helped complete the world’s first health assessment of…
To improve crop yields, just add trees
Editor’s note: To meet global food demand by 2050, production will have to increase by 60 percent, the FAO reports — yet agriculture is already a major source of deforestation. To meet humanity’s food needs, we must use land more sustainably and productively. One solution with potential is agroforestry, a practice that integrates trees and…
Education Dept. cuts could hurt low-income schools. And, an entertainment rundown
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. President Trump signed an executive action yesterday to begin dismantling the U.S. Department of Education. The administration has promised that certain federal education grants, including for low-income and rural…
Kanzi the Bonobo, Who Learned Language and Made Stone Tools, Dies at Age 44
Kanzi the Bonobo, Who Learned Language and Made Stone Tools, Dies at Age 44 What we learned about ape and human cognition from Kanzi the bonobo, who died this week By Kate Wong edited by Jeanna Bryner Kanzi the bonobo died on March 18, 2025, at the age of 44. Kanzi the bonobo, who learned…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025: See Every Celebrity on the Red Carpet
Hosted by LL Cool J, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards brought the best and brightest performers to Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on March 17. See all the celebrities on the red carpet. You’ll heart these celebrities. After all, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards was the place to be on March 17, with chart-toppers and performing…
British tourist missing after boat catches fire off Thai island
Alexandra Clarke, 26, was on a diving excursion near Koh Tao when blaze broke out A British tourist is missing in Thailand after the tour boat she was travelling on caught fire off the island of Koh Tao. Alexandra Clarke, 26, from Lambeth, south London, was onboard the Davy Jones Locker for a diving excursion.…
How to Protect Pets and Backyard Chickens from Bird Flu
How to Protect Pets and Backyard Chickens from Bird Flu As bird flu outbreaks continue to affect animals, experts answer questions about keeping pets and their owners healthy By Jude Coleman edited by Lauren J. Young With avian influenza blowing up egg prices and killing chickens around the country at an alarming rate, the U.S.…
These Dogs Can Sniff Out Invasive Species before It’s Too Late
These Dogs Can Sniff Out Invasive Species before It’s Too Late Dogs excel at finding spotted lanternfly eggs in lower-level infestations By Gennaro Tomma edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier One of the dogs trained to track down spotted lanternflies. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! From sniffing out rare species to tracking down poachers, dogs…
Democratic Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona dies at 77
By The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Democratic U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva of Arizona, who championed environmental protection during his 12 terms in Congress, died Thursday of complications from cancer treatments, his office said. Grijalva, who was 77, had risen to chair the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee and was the top Democrat on the…
One in Three U.S. Bird Species Are Struggling and Need Conservation Support
Birds Are in Trouble across the U.S. But It’s Not Too Late to Protect Them In the U.S. 42 species of birds have low and steeply declining populations that put them on the brink of disaster, scientists say By Meghan Bartels edited by Andrea Thompson An increasingly uncommon Pinyon Jay perches on the top of…
How COVID Shaped Education and Mental Health Outcomes for Kids
How COVID Shaped a Resilient Generation of Kids COVID’s emotional and educational strain on children still lingers, but educators and mental health specialists say they are far from a “lost generation” By Lauren J. Young edited by Dean Visser As COVID surged and schools across the U.S. shuttered in March 2020, Jamie Wyss, an elementary…
Canada’s Hudson’s Bay has survived 355 years. Now the store is in crisis
Alina Selyukh Canada’s oldest retailer, Hudson’s Bay department store, cannot pay its debts. The high-end chain, dating back to the 17th-century fur-trade era, has been losing money and shoppers, set back by the pandemic, inflation and lately, trade tensions with the U.S. Now, it’s entered a proceeding similar to bankruptcy protection and expects to close…
As Trump and DOGE Block Federal Grants, Wildfire Prevention Projects Are at Risk
Wildfire Prevention Projects at Risk as Federal Grants Vanish Efforts to limit wildfires in a conservative swath of northern Colorado are the latest casualty of the Trump administration’s on-and-off federal spending freeze By Corbin Hiar & E&E News A helicopter flies through the Cache La Poudre Canyon as flames score the forest south of the…
DOGE’s effort to slash government is now coming for buildings and people who run them
By Stephen Fowler , Jenna McLaughlin , Shannon Bond , Chris Arnold Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is on a mission to slash the federal government — and it eagerly touts its moves on social media. A recent entry cited more than $100 million in savings from terminating hundreds of federal building leases. Yet…
Trump Administration Likely to Drop Chloroprene Lawsuit. Here’s What That Means
What Is Chloroprene, the Cancer-Causing Chemical at the Center of a Federal Lawsuit? Trump could drop a federal lawsuit against a petrochemical plant that emits chloroprene. Here’s a look at the cancer-causing chemical By Stephanie Pappas edited by Jeanna Bryner Yoga mats can be made out of the synthetic rubber neoprene, natural rubber and other…
‘Little agency that could’ cheered for act of resistance against Trump and Musk
Workers at US African Development Foundation refused to let Doge operatives enter, though they later gained access Members of Elon Musk’s so-called “department of government efficiency” (Doge) unit were barred from entering a small, independent federal agency promoting economic development in Africa on Wednesday after a tense standoff with federal staff they had been sent…
Killing a Nuclear Watchdog’s Independence Threatens Disaster
Opinion Killing a Nuclear Watchdog’s Independence Threatens Disaster A Trump administration plan would end the independence of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where similar oversight muzzling has led to nuclear disasters overseas By Katy Huff, Paul Wilson & Michael Corradini edited by Dan Vergano Prypiat classroom with books lying on the floor, Chernobyl exclusion zone, Ukraine.…
Trump’s Plan to Lower Egg Prices and a Threat to Bird Flu Vaccines Explained
The Latest on Egg Prices and a Bird Flu Vaccine in Jeopardy The CDC has sequenced bird flu viruses from people in Nevada and Wyoming, and the Trump Administration has released a strategy for reducing egg prices By Tanya Lewis edited by Dean Visser Join Our Community of Science Lovers! We’re regularly rounding up the…
Trump administration can remove head of federal watchdog agency, appeals court rules
By The Associated Press WASHINGTON — An appeals court in Washington on Wednesday removed the head of a federal watchdog agency in the latest twist in a legal fight over Republican President Donald Trump’s authority to fire the special counsel. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia sided with the Trump administration…
This Colombian ‘hotel for cows’ could help reduce deforestation in the Amazon
By Julia Simon Cali, Colombia – Under lush trees drooping with moss and vines, Carlos Hernando Molina whistles as he approaches a herd of brown cows. This farm, called El Hatico, has been in Molina’s family since the late 1700s. For centuries his family’s cows would graze in open pastures under the hot sun. But…
Poll: Majorities say state of the union is not strong, and Trump is rushing change
Domenico Montanaro Majorities say the state of the union is not strong, that the country is headed in the wrong direction and President Trump is rushing to make changes without considering their impact, a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds. There are some real warning signs for Trump, particularly with independents, who oppose his cuts to…
ATTN: These Coach Bags Belong on the Red Carpet (And in Your Closet)
No nomination needed—these handbags from Coach and Coach Outlet guarantee a Best Dressed win. Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. Coach has been a red carpet staple for years, dressing celebs in iconic handbags and head-turning accessories. And…
Weather tracker: six cyclones swirl simultaneously in southern hemisphere
Bianca, Garance and Honde churn across Indian Ocean as Alfred, Rae and Seru spin through south-west Pacific Three developed in the south-west Pacific. Severe Tropical Cyclone Alfred formed on 20 February in the Coral Sea to the north-east of Australia, reaching an intensity equivalent to a category 4 hurricane on Thursday with sustained winds of…
Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa Death: Police Say 2 Dogs Survived
After Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead Feb. 26, authorities are providing more insight into what they found in the couple’s home. More information is coming to light about Gene Hackman’s death. After the Hollywood titan was found dead in his New Mexico home alongside his wife of more…
Bird Flu Strikes Rats, Pet Cats and Egg Supplies
The Latest on Bird Flu’s Hits to Egg Supplies, Rats and Cats Avian influenza continues to fuel egg shortages. Plus, a delayed CDC study on household cats reveals concerning human exposure routes By Lauren J. Young edited by Tanya Lewis Black rat (Rattus rattus). We’re regularly rounding up the latest news on avian influenza. Here’s…
Federal board orders government to reinstate six workers fired by Trump
Andrea Hsu Six fired federal employees must get their jobs back, at least through April 10, according to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB), the independent federal agency that hears employee complaints against the government. The MSPB issued a 45-day stay of the terminations Tuesday evening in response to a request from the U.S. Office…
3 More Bird Flu Infections in People as Chicken Deaths Affect Egg Industry
The Latest on Bird Flu in Humans, Chickens, and More Bird flu headlines include three new human cases, millions of dead birds in poultry flocks and new personnel moves from the Trump administration By Meghan Bartels edited by Lauren J. Young We’re regularly rounding up the latest news on avian influenza. Here’s what happened recently.…
SAG Awards 2025 Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look (Live Updates)
For the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards held on Feb. 23, some of your favorite celebs showed up and showed out on the red carpet. Lights, camera, action. The 2025 Screen Guild Actors Awards ceremony is almost finally here—and in honor of the occasion, many of Hollywood’s biggest stars have stepped out to celebrate at the Shrine Auditorium and…
Pope Francis is in critical condition, the Vatican says
By The Associated Press ROME — Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said. The 88-year-old Francis, who has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection, also received blood transfusions after tests showed a condition associated…
In case you missed it: Here’s what happened with Trump this week, from Ukraine to DOGE
Domenico Montanaro We’ll be recapping what you need to know every Friday morning for the first 100 days of the Trump administration. Get more updates and analysis in the It’s now been a month since President Trump was sworn in, and the firehose of information coming from the administration continued this week, including: Trump reshaping…
Surprising Chimpanzee Signal Reveals Secrets of Ape Communication
Surprising Chimpanzee Signal Reveals Secrets of Ape Communication A rare and deliberate signal between a mother chimpanzee and her daughter raises new questions about ape communication, culture and the meaning of sharing a language By Avery Schuyler Nunn edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier A mother chimpanzee, Beryl, sits by her infant, Lindsay, in a remote…
Military doctors prepare to deploy to Guantanamo for extended stay
Ximena Bustillo Military medical units, including surgeons and OB-GYN specialists in the U.S. Air Force and Army, are preparing for deployment to Guantanamo Bay this weekend as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to expand detention there for those without legal status in the U.S. An order obtained by NPR on Wednesday that was sent…
FDA staff handling drug safety for pets and livestock lost jobs in Trump firings
By Will Stone , Sydney Lupkin One casualty of the mass firings across federal health agencies are regulators who ensure drugs for pets and livestock are safe and effective. The cuts hit the Center for Veterinary Medicine, an arm of the Food and Drug Administration that regulates the safety and efficacy of drugs, food and…
Broken Legs and Ankles Heal Better If You Walk on Them within Weeks
Opinion Broken Legs and Ankles Heal Better If You Walk on Them within Weeks Using crutches for months is largely a thing of the past. Early weight-bearing has real benefits By Lydia Denworth edited by Josh Fischman Twenty years ago my husband, Mark, broke his left ankle and was in a cast and on crutches…
Get $156 Worth of Peter Thomas Roth Retinol for $54—65% Off Now!
Save 65% on Peter Thomas Roth’s Retinol Fusion PM Serum—your key to smoother, younger-looking skin. This rare deal won’t last, so grab $156 worth for just $54 before it sells out! Our writers and editors independently determine what we cover and recommend. When you buy through our links, E! may earn a commission. Learn more. Skincare…
Why Do Wild Cats Have So Many Different Eye Colors?
Why Do Wild Cats Have So Many Different Eye Colors? The Internet’s vast cat resources help researchers chart cat eye evolution By Zane Wolf edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Snow leopard’s colorful eye. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! Wild cats showcase a stunning diversity of eye colors, proving a mystery for researchers because most…
SNL 50 Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Celebrity Arrive (Live Updates)
From Adam Sandler to Amy Poehler, A-list comedians are hitting the red carpet for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special in New York Feb. 16. See every star arrive. You can feel the excitement in your funny bones. To mark the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Hollywood stars are hitting the red carpet in New…
Urgent CDC Data on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate
Urgent CDC Data on Influenza and Bird Flu Go Missing as Outbreaks Escalate Delays in CDC analyses of infectious disease threats and agency silence will harm Americans, doctors and public health experts warn By Amy Maxmen & KFF Health News Sonya Stokes, an emergency room physician in the San Francisco Bay Area, braces herself for a daily…
A Valentine’s Day aurora may be visible in the skies of the northern U.S.
By Chandelis Duster Some Americans may get a special treat during the Valentine’s Day weekend if the northern lights illuminate the night sky with a hint of romance. While it’s possible this could happen, space weather scientists warn the chances are slim. The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, may be visible across parts of North…
In a long-lost city, scientists find an ‘exuberance’ of life
A team of researchers has begun to answer that question and will publish their full findings in the coming months. Meanwhile, in a story published this week by The New Yorker, Douglas Preston tells the story of the team’s mission to understand the rainforest that swallowed up the White City and kept it hidden for…
Sweeping cuts hit recent federal hires as Trump administration slashes workforce
By Shannon Bond , Geoff Brumfiel , Andrea Hsu , Cory Turner Federal workers have begun receiving layoff notices as the Trump administration moves ahead with plans to drastically downsize the government. While the full scale of layoffs isn’t yet clear, the first round of cuts appeared to target employees who were recently hired and…
Sea Turtle Dance Reveals a Hidden Magnetic Ability
The Surprising Importance of This Adorable Sea Turtle Dance Sea turtles are capable of creating GPS-like magnetic maps to guide them back to foraging grounds, and they do a little dance when they recognize those spots By Jack Tamisiea edited by Andrea Thompson If you’re enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing.…
ACLU and other advocates sue for access to migrants moved to Guantánamo Bay
Sacha Pfeiffer A coalition of immigrant rights and legal aid groups, led by the American Civil Liberties Union, has sued the Trump administration, demanding that migrants flown by the government to a U.S. detention facility in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, be given access to lawyers. Wednesday’s lawsuit says the Trump administration, after sending dozens of migrants…
New Bird Flu Strain in Cows and Animal Infections Raise Concern for Human Exposure
The Latest on Bird Flu Strains and Sick Zoo Animals Scientists have reported a new strain of bird flu in Nevada dairy cattle. And viral spread in pet cats has fueled worries over increased risk of exposure to humans By Tanya Lewis edited by Lauren J. Young Join Our Community of Science Lovers! We’re covering…
Penguins Help to Map Antarctica’s Growing Mercury Threat
Penguins Help to Map Antarctica’s Growing Mercury Threat Molted penguin feathers record mercury infiltrating Antarctica’s food web By Gayoung Lee edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Gentoo penguins have a wide geographic range, making them good targets for follow-up research. Join Our Community of Science Lovers! When Philip Sontag first visited Antarctica as a Ph.D. student,…
Trump administration targets Education Department research arm in latest cuts
By Jonaki Mehta , Cory Turner An independent research arm within the U.S. Department of Education is being all but shut down, employees of the department say. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is responsible for gathering and disseminating data on a wide range of topics, including research-backed teaching practices and the state of U.S.…
What DeepSeek’s Success Tells Us About China’s Ability to Nurture Talent
China produces a vast number of STEM graduates, but it hasn’t been known for innovation. Cultural and political factors may help explain why. By Vivian Wang Reporting from Beijing To many Chinese, DeepSeek’s success is a victory for China’s education system, proof that it equals that of the United States or has even surpassed it.…
What Is Journavx, the New Opioid-Free Painkiller from Vertex?
What Is Journavx, the New Opioid-Free Painkiller from Vertex? The nonaddictive painkiller suzetrigine (Journavx) is as effective for acute pain as a common opioid treatment By Allison Parshall edited by Dean Visser Join Our Community of Science Lovers! For the first time in 25 years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new…
It’s not all fur and games. Here’s how the Puppy Bowl works
Emma Bowman Once a year, on a Sunday in winter, millions tune in to watch two teams roam the field as they bark, tumble and pant. At any moment, a new scent could tempt a player away from the end zone. We’re talking about the Puppy Bowl, of course. For two decades, the popular alternative…
The US Is Not Ready for Bird Flu in Humans
Opinion Cross CurrentsFridays The U.S. Is Not Ready for Bird Flu in Humans Bird flu is infecting more people than we think. We need to stop it now before a new pandemic begins By Megha Satyanarayana edited by Dan Vergano Keep in touch with Cross Current: Get email alerts for this weekly column by Megha…
Russell Vought takes the helm at CFPB as Musk’s DOGE accesses key systems
Laurel Wamsley Russell Vought, an architect of Project 2025 and the new director at the Office of Management and Budget, is now also the acting leader of the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau, according to a source familiar with the situation. The source requested anonymity out of fear of retribution. Senior executives at CFPB, the federal…
Why This AI Gazes into Goat Faces
Why This AI Gazes into Goat Faces AI-based systems can help identify livestock’s early signs of distress By Lucy Tu edited by Sarah Lewin Frasier Join Our Community of Science Lovers! The patient grumbled and grimaced, but he refused to speak to his doctor. The patient was a goat. Recognizing animal pain is notoriously difficult.…
U.S. education policy is at a crossroads. This congressional hearing shows why
Cory Turner The White House wants to close the U.S. Department of Education, and has placed dozens of employees on paid leave with little explanation. Its plan, which it confirmed to NPR, is to quickly shutter programs that are not protected by law and to call on Congress to do the rest. President Donald Trump…
Whale Songs Follow Basic Human Language Rules
Whale Songs Obey Basic Rules of Human Languages Humpback whales learn their haunting melodies in much the same way humans learn words By Cody Cottier edited by Andrea Thompson John Natoli/Getty Images For all the world’s linguistic diversity, human languages still obey some universal patterns. These run even deeper than grammar and syntax; they’re rooted…
First Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic H5N9 Reported in U.S. Ducks
A Second Type of Bird Flu is Circulating in U.S. Ducks—What to Know Nearly 119,000 birds have been culled at a farm in California after a bird flu called H5N9 was detected among the poultry By Emily Cooke & LiveScience A highly pathogenic new strain of H5N9 has been detected in ducks at a farm…
A new type of bird flu has been found in dairy cows in Nevada
By Will Stone A variant of H5N1 bird flu that has circulated widely in wild birds — and in several instances led to severe illness in several humans — has turned up in dairy cattle for the first time. The findings were relayed in a short update from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which traced…
Trump Proposes U.S. Takeover of Gaza and Says Palestinians Should Move
Trump Administration The president met with the Israeli prime minister at the White House, meeting in person with another world leader for the first time since returning to power. By Michael D. ShearPeter Baker and Isabel Kershner Peter Baker and Michael D. Shear reported from Washington, and Isabel Kershner from Jerusalem. Follow reactions to President…
As Australia’s Election Nears, Peter Dutton Has a ‘Trump Lite’ Approach
Trump Administration Peter Dutton, who wants to be prime minister, has been taking aim at “wokeness.” But Australia’s electorate isn’t America’s, and there are lines he won’t cross. By Victoria Kim Reporting from Sydney, Australia It’s been called the Trump playbook, the Trump card, the Trumpist approach, campaigning as “Donald Trump lite” and even “going…
Pastor pushed out after parishioners complain about focus on racial justice
Frank Langfitt CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Sunday after Donald Trump won a second term, Pastor Ben Boswell took to the pulpit at Myers Park Baptist, a liberal church in Charlotte, and delivered the sort of blunt, provocative sermon for which he is well known. Boswell likened the moment to what he called the “gathering dark…
Trump says he will cut off funding to South Africa over land ‘confiscations’
Cyril Ramaphosa’s government ‘treating certain classes of people very badly’, says Trump, calling for investigation Donald Trump has claimed South Africa is “confiscating” land and “treating certain classes of people very badly”, announcing he is cutting off all future funding to the country pending an investigation. The US president’s intervention into one of South Africa’s…
Your ears can’t prick up, but your ear muscles sure try
Nell Greenfieldboyce When people are trying hard to listen to something, the body seems to do its best to “prick up its ears,” even though this ability was lost by our evolutionary ancestors millions of years ago. That’s according to a new study which found that a certain vestigial ear muscle — one that perks…
Third Black Hawk crew member involved in deadly crash near DC airport identified
Tom Bowman The Army released the name of the third crew member of the Black Hawk helicopter that slammed into an American Airlines-affiliated flight above the Potomac River this week, killing 67 people. Captain Rebecca Lobach was 28 years old and a native of Durham, N.C. She was a distinguished military graduate from the University…
‘Perfect rat storm’: urban rodent numbers soar as the climate heats, study finds
Sharp rise in population in 11 of 16 cities expected to continue as rising temperatures make it easier for the animals to breed, say researchers Rat numbers are soaring in cities as global temperatures warm, research shows. Washington DC, San Francisco, Toronto, New York City and Amsterdam had the greatest increase in these rodents, according…
What You Need to Know About Venomous Caterpillars
Venomous Caterpillars Are Expanding Their Range because of Warming These caterpillars carry a toxic chemical cocktail and Inquisition-like delivery implements—and their geographic range is expanding By Ivan Amato edited by Gary Stix The puss caterpillar is the venomous larval form of the southern flannel moth (Megalopyge opercularis). Its “hairs” conceal highly venomous spines. Assasinations in…
Snake Facts for the Lunar New Year
Celebrate Lunar New Year with 7 Snake Facts In honor of the Year of the Snake, let’s appreciate the strange anatomy and evolution of these slithery reptiles By Allison Parshall edited by Dean Visser Blue Insularis snake. As the new moon rises this week, it ushers in a new year on the lunar calendar used…
Trump’s Revocation of Environmental Justice Order Will Hurt Marginalized Communities
Trump Environment Order Will Leave ‘Vulnerable Communities in the Shadows’ President Trump has revoked a 1994 directive that required agencies to protect minority or low-income areas from pollution and health hazards By Thomas Frank, Jean Chemnick & E&E News A man walks along an overpass above the Cross Bronx Expressway, a notorious stretch of highway…
The Latest on Bird Flu in Humans, Cats and Chickens
The Latest on Bird Flu in Humans, Cats and Chickens H5N1 avian influenza continues to spread amid commercial and backyard poultry, and additional cases have been reported in domestic cats By Meghan Bartels edited by Tanya Lewis Join Our Community of Science Lovers! As the bird flu outbreak affecting poultry, dairy cows and humans in…
How did the newt cross the road? With the help of the Chileno Valley Newt Brigade!
By Stephanie O’Neill Snout to tail, they’re about six inches long, a rich reddish brown on top with a bright orange underbelly. “They have cute little eyes that kind of bug out. They kind of look like a cartoon character,” Gale says. But they’re very slow movers and for this otherwise healthy population of newts…
Teaching Evolution Has a Bright Future in the U.S.
Opinion Teaching Evolution Has a Bright Future in the U.S. By Glenn Branch edited by Daniel Vergano Lawyers, scientists, and supporters of the legal challenge to anti-evolution law, July 1925. Dayton, Tennessee. One hundred years ago a young teacher, John T. Scopes, went on trial in Dayton, Tenn., for violating a recently enacted state law…
Remembering Margarethe Hilferding, the First Woman Admitted to Freud’s Vienna Psychoanalytic Society
Margarethe Hilferding, Sigmund Freud and the Conspiracy of Silence Margarethe Hilferding was the first woman admitted to Sigmund Freud’s Vienna Psychoanalytic Society, but her radical work on maternal instinct was dismissed and ignored By Marcy Thompson, Katie Hafner, Deborah Unger & The Lost Women of Science Initiative In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day next…
Why Grapefruit Interferes with Medication, and What to Do about It
Why Grapefruit Interferes with Medication, and What to Do about It Could gene editing produce a tasty citrus fruit that doesn’t interfere with prescription drugs? By Charlotte Hu edited by Tanya Lewis Unfortunately for lovers of grapefruit, mixing the appealingly bitter citrus with certain medications can lead to dangerous side effects. According to the National…