Cutting funding for science can have consequences for the economy, US technological competitiveness

The jury’s out on whether the US is still at the top of global science. Proposed cuts to major agencies could mean completely ceding that title.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
today ~9 min

Why is water different colors in different places?

Blue, green orange, brown − water comes in many colors, depending on what’s in it.

Courtney Di Vittorio, Assistant Professor of Engineering, Wake Forest University • conversation
today ~7 min


Why do skiers sunburn so easily on the slopes? A snow scientist explains

The powdery snow that skiers and snowboarders love, especially on crystal clear days, plays a big role in how much your skin will burn.

Steven R. Fassnacht, Professor of Snow Hydrology, Colorado State University • conversation
today ~6 min

Why did life evolve to be so colourful? Research is starting to give us some answers

If evolution had taken a different turn, nature would be missing some colours.

Jonathan Goldenberg, Postdoctoral Researcher in Evolutionary Biology, Lund University • conversation
today ~8 min

Heat pumps have a cosiness problem

‘The coal fire was where most of our participants let their minds linger.’

Aimee Ambrose, Professor of Energy Policy, Member of Fuel Poverty Evidence and Trustee of the Fuel Poverty Research Network, Sheffield Hallam University • conversation
today ~7 min

How to find climate data and science the Trump administration removed from government websites

Several groups are working to preserve webpages, tools and data – some of which have already gone missing from government webpages since the start of the Trump administration.

Alejandro Paz, Energy and Environment Librarian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~10 min

Evolving intelligent life took billions of years − but it may not have been as unlikely as many scientists predicted

Humans evolved late in Earth history. While this timing inspired the conclusion that humanlike life is a cosmic improbability, a new study pushes back.

Jennifer L. Macalady, Professor of Geoscience, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~10 min

Parents can soon use QR codes to reveal heavy metal content in baby food

A quick scan with a smartphone or an online search can identify foods with lower levels of these toxic substances.

C. Michael White, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~10 min


How to find climate data and science the Trump administration doesn’t want you to see

Several groups are working to preserve webpages, tools and data – some of which have already gone missing from government webpages since the start of the Trump administration.

Alejandro Paz, Energy and Environment Librarian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~10 min

‘Myrrh, conifer oil and … breakfast tea’: my sniffer team’s surprise findings on what mummified bodies smell like

Welcome to ‘sensory heritage’, the study of how we engage with objects from the past besides what they look like.

Cecilia Bembibre, Lecturer in Sustainable Heritage, UCL • conversation
Feb. 14, 2025 ~8 min

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