Science

The Pandemic’s Legacy Is Already Clear

All of this will happen again.

Honestly? The Link Between Climate Change and Hurricanes Is Complicated.

Hurricane Ian shows some symptoms of global warming. But saying anything beyond that is folly.

Something Strange Happens When You Tear These Creatures Apart

Behold choanoflagellates, tiny creatures that can be one body and many bodies all at once.

The Climate Movement Wanted More Than the IRA. Now What?

A prominent climate thinker says the Inflation Reduction Act has real benefits, but “that doesn’t erase the costs.”

The Senate Just Quietly Passed a Major Climate Treaty

America is in the middle of a mini–golden Age of climate policy.

Maybe We Won’t End Up Like the Dinosaurs

NASA has taken a major step toward protecting Earth from dangerous asteroids.

When’s the Perfect Time to Get a Flu Shot?

Experts can’t agree.

Wildfires Quietly Threaten a Crucial Water Source in the West

Snow is melting earlier in fire-ravaged areas, with potentially disastrous consequences.

Did a Famous Doctor’s COVID Shot Make His Cancer Worse?

A lifelong promoter of vaccines suspects he might be the rare, unfortunate exception.

This Is Neptune?

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a mesmerizing view of the planet.

Manchin’s New Bill Could Lead to One Big Climate Win

Power lines are crucial to expanding renewables. America could finally—finally!—be about to build more of them.

The Fatal Error of an Ancient, HIV-Like Virus

It got too cozy with its host.

A Gnarly New Theory About Saturn’s Rings

The story of a long-lost moon

The East Coast Will Not Escape Fire

Even parts of the country normally considered “wet” are drying out, with dangerous results.

Take It Easy on Your Dog

Punishments such as shock collars may not be doing much good.

Polio Is Exploiting a Very Human Weakness

The world has been so close to eradicating polio for so long—which is exactly why the virus is staging a comeback now.

Think Twice About Working for a ‘Climate Villain’

You’re not off the hook for your company’s actions.

Cats Give the Laws of Physics a Biiiiig Stretch

They can fall from potentially infinite heights and survive. They can pivot off of nothing to land on their feet. Scientists still can’t fully explain why.

A Very California Lesson on Just How Weird Electricity Is

The state’s record-smashing heat wave is a window into the future … and it’s okay.

The Myopia Generation

Why do so many kids need glasses now?