Science
- First LookAre the Boeing astronauts actually stuck in space? Nope. ‘Living in space is super fun.’
Boeing’s new Starliner astronauts have had to combat rumors about their health and saftey after a forced extended stay on the International Space Station. However, the pair has taken the challenge in stride. “Mindset does go a long way,” said Butch Wilmore.
- Cover StoryMoody chickens? Playful bumblebees? Science decodes the rich inner lives of animals.
New science shows that farm animals and other creatures exhibit signs of conscious experience. How should this make us see them – and ourselves?
- First LookA week ago, Tesla showcased futuristic robotaxis. Then a pedestrian got hit.
One week after Tesla unveiled prototype robotaxis and promised fully autonomous vehicles by 2026, the company is once again under investigation. Tesla has twice recalled its “Full Self-Driving” system in the past after cars ignored stop signs and hurt pedestrians.
- NASA launches its biggest space probe to find if life can exist on Jupiter moon
Planetary geologist Erin Leonard of NASA talks about the Europa Clipper mission – and how to see if the icy moon of Jupiter has conditions required to support life.
- FocusSpaceX has Texas-scale ambitions in the sky. But they’re creating tensions on Earth.
SpaceX achieved a first Sunday by returning its Super Heavy booster rocket safely to rest in the launch tower. Among Texas locals, concerns about environmental impacts are matched by enthusiasm for space industry innovation.
- First LookThey won a Nobel prize for their work on AI. Here’s why, and how they see AI’s future.
A Canadian and American researcher jointly won the Nobel Prize for physics by building the foundation of modern AI study. Geoffrey Hinton lauded the potential benefits of AI, predicting another “Industrial Revolution,” but still has worries.
- First LookOne small walk for a tech billionaire, one giant leap for ultra wealthy space tourists
Emerging from the hatch into the cold vacuum of space, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman joined an elite group of professional astronauts from a dozen countries. He tested SpaceX’s new spacesuits, clinging to a spacecraft going farther than any since 1972.
- First LookAs Boeing falters, can SpaceX go where six far-reaching Apollo missions went before?
The SpaceX rocket, blasting off early Sept. 10, will take astronauts farther than any other since 1972, when Apollo 17 completed the final NASA mission. The third day will bring the first privately funded spacewalk.
- Can plants talk and think? Some scientists say yes.
“The Light Eaters” gives insights into how plants communicate, while “Alien Earths” explores the search for intelligent life on other planets.
- First LookNASA: Astronauts stuck on ISS must wait for SpaceX ride home in 2025
After months of tests and debate, NASA decided test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will come back in a SpaceX capsule in February. Their empty Boeing Starliner capsule will attempt to return on autopilot in early September.
- First LookWhat’s old, long, and green? Meet Gnatalie, Los Angeles’ new dinosaur.
A 75-foot-long sauropod is the only green dinosaur fossil in the world and it’s on display in Los Angeles. Researchers discovered the bones in 2007 in the Badlands of Utah.
- ‘Hey Siri, can you win the AI race?’ How Apple Intelligence could be a game-changer.
Apple is diving into artificial intelligence – focused on the idea of a “virtual personal assistant.” Apple Intelligence will make Siri and some iPhone 15 models smarter – and perhaps spur sales of new gadgets.
- The ExplainerBoeing has seen a tide of bad headlines. It’s hoping for a reset with space launch.
Boeing plans to launch a crewed spaceflight to prove it can successfully transport astronauts to the International Space Station.
- First LookScientists recorded sperm whales. Their pod-casts offer hints on how they talk.
For years, researchers have tried to link sperm whales’ underwater clicks to the meanings they communicate. A new study of their codas could serve as the basis for future translations of their alphabet.
- As Syrian rebels advance, what can Iran and its tired allies do for Assad?
- French women flock to Gisèle Pelicot rape trial, ‘to show her that she’s not alone’
- Five years after fire, a shining Notre Dame is ready to reopen its doors
- Cover StoryReading, writing, and the Ten Commandments? Why some public schools teach the Bible.
- Supreme Court will hear largest transgender rights case in US history