Microgravity in space may cause cancer − but on Earth, mimicking weightlessness could help researchers develop treatments

Cells function differently under low gravity conditions. Rather than send lab samples to space, researchers are developing Earth-bound tools to more easily study microgravity’s effects on biology.

Soumya Srivastava, Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, West Virginia University • conversation
Jan. 24, 2025 ~6 min

One large Milky Way galaxy or many galaxies? 100 years ago, a young Edwin Hubble settled astronomy’s ‘Great Debate’

Hubble’s work pushed the field of astronomy forward, starting with his paper demonstrating that some objects exist outside our galaxy.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Jan. 24, 2025 ~10 min


Astronauts on NASA’s Artemis mission to the Moon will need better boots − here’s why

Wearing the wrong shoe on Earth can lead to injury. Researchers still need to figure out the physical consequences of spending a long time walking around on the Moon.

Rebecca Rhoades, Researcher in Education, Health & Behavior, University of North Dakota • conversation
Jan. 20, 2025 ~5 min

Organic solar cells could be best for space missions

Solar cells made with organic materials could be better than conventional silicon and gallium arsenide for generating power in space.

U. Michigan • futurity
Jan. 17, 2025 ~5 min

The Starbase rocket testing facility is permanently changing the landscape of southern Texas

SpaceX has brought both well-paying jobs and rocket debris to southern Texas.

Robert A. Kopack, Faculty Instructor of Human Geographies, University of South Carolina • conversation
Jan. 17, 2025 ~10 min

Bezos’ Blue Origin has successfully launched its New Glenn rocket to orbit − a feat 15 years in the making

Even without recovering New Glenn’s reusable booster, Blue Origin has joined the ranks of commercial companies with rockets able to launch into orbit.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, Air University • conversation
Jan. 16, 2025 ~8 min

A national, nonpartisan study of the Los Angeles fires could improve planning for future disasters

The Los Angeles fires may be the most costly natural disaster in US history. An expert on safety, risk reduction and complex systems calls for a blue-ribbon commission to analyze their causes.

Najmedin Meshkati, Professor of Engineering and International Relations, University of Southern California • conversation
Jan. 15, 2025 ~12 min

X-ray flashes from a nearby supermassive black hole accelerate mysteriously

Their source could be the core of a dead star that’s teetering at the black hole’s edge, MIT astronomers report.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Jan. 13, 2025 ~8 min


Why does a rocket have to go 25,000 mph to escape Earth?

A rocket needs to overcome the force of gravity to leave Earth behind.

Benjamin L. Emerson, Principal Research Engineer, School of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Jan. 13, 2025 ~7 min

As the US and China race to the Moon, these loopholes in space law could cause conflict

Nations will need to tread carefully on the Moon in order to avoid conflict.

Gbenga Oduntan, Professor of Law, University of Bradford • conversation
Jan. 3, 2025 ~8 min

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