Topic: National Science Foundation

Does dark energy exist? New telescope technique could find out.

Intensity mapping, a new method for observing the radio intensity of hydrogen gas, could help solve a fundamental cosmic riddle

Storm chasers complete largest-ever tornado study

Storm chasers have wrapped up the most dangerous stage of a comprehensive study on how tornadoes form.

Gulf oil spill: BP grants $500 million for independent research

Some experts wonder how 'independent' BP's grants for Gulf oil spill research on ecosystem damage and recovery will be. But so far, it looks like the money comes with no strings attached.

Hurricane Alex wreaking havoc on BP Gulf oil spill

Hurricane Alex has pushed oil from the BP Gulf oil spill spill onto Gulf coast beaches, with some tar balls as large as apples.

Gulf gas: BP oil spill increases methane in Gulf waters

Gulf gas: The BP oil spill has increased the amount of methane gas in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, with the potential of creating 'dead zones' for fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Arctic sea ice at lowest point in thousands of years

Warming at the North Pole caused by the buildup of atmospheric greenhouse gases has reduced the ice that normally covers the Arctic Ocean at its lowest point in a few thousand years, a new study suggests.

US college degrees: Still the best among world's top universities?

A US college degree has been the gold standard. But global economics and a crisis of confidence may be pushing the US down in rankings among top universities.

BP oil spill: an unexpected laboratory for deep-sea disaster

The BP oil spill is a unique event, so scientists are converging on the Gulf to try to understand how best to combat deep-sea oil spills and what effects they have on the environment.

New telescopes could revolutionize astronomy, but at what price?

The case for adding new ground-based telescopes is compelling, astronomy experts say. But they cost $700 million to $1 billion apiece just to build.

New Species of Raptor Dinosaur Found In China

The nearly-complete skeleton of the birdlike dinosaur was found in inner Mongolia

The chase is on: scientists launch largest-ever study of tornadoes

In launching Vortex2, researchers hope to better understand how tornadoes work.

SEC watching porn instead of financial industry

Wonder why they missed the financial crisis? Or Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme? A government report obtained by ABC News reveals that SEC employees were focused on something else: porn.

US engineers study Chile earthquake to bolster California building codes

Since the Chile earthquake, dozens of US engineers have visited Santiago and other affected cities to study the failures and successes of building codes here. They say it provides valuable insights for California.

As Climate Change debate wages on, scientists turn to Hollywood for help

Politicians and the public question global climate change evidence, so scientists look to Hollywood and websites for a new voice. Lights, camera, science!

Marital affairs: what happens after spouses cheat

Why Americans are getting more conservative about affairs, but seem willing to accept them in their own marriages.

Opinion: Afghanistan is not Vietnam

If President Obama learns from Britain’s mistakes in 1943 with Albania and meets Afghan warriors on their terms, the United States can end the war and win the peace in Afghanistan, honorably.

School IT director loses job over space alien hunt

District says the former employee's quest for ET will cost it $1.2 million.

Swarms of tiny robots to monitor the oceans

Scientists want to learn much more aobut the ocean than they currently know. So they're developing tiny robots to go underwater and observe.

When the Internet breaks, who ya gonna call?

The last time the Internet had a major upgrade was in 1986.

Will the condo walls come tumbling down during fake quake?

Obama's teleprompter commits mutiny during major science speech

Obama: Boost US R&D beyond ‘space race’ levels

Science to gain from stimulus funds, but projects must be 'beaker ready'

The first goal is to create jobs, but new technologies – and the employment that comes with them – can take time to develop.

The Earth Day generation

Nanotechnology may have found its Henry Ford

Tiny DNA robots could be the future of assembly lines.