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Wealthy Nations Agree to 2035 Deadline for Ending Coal for the First Time
The G7 group of wealthy, developed economies has agreed to phase out coal-fired power, the most polluting form of energy, by 2035
Nearsightedness Rates Are Soaring. Here’s Why
Myopia is becoming so common some people deem it “epidemic.” Here’s why getting kids outside and treating nearsightedness early is crucial for healthy eyesight
Do Insects Have an Inner Life? Animal Consciousness Needs a Rethink
A declaration signed by dozens of scientists says there is “a realistic possibility” for elements of consciousness in reptiles, insects and mollusks
U.S. Needs to Better Track Bird Flu Spread in Farm Animals, Farm Workers, Epidemiologist Says
Four years after a mysterious respiratory virus jumped from animals into humans and launched the COVID pandemic, wary epidemiologists are keeping a close eye on a strain of avian influenza that is spreading among U.S. dairy cows
ADHD Can Have Unexpected Benefits
A new book by Penn and Kim Holderness seeks to correct misconceptions about ADHD and accentuate the plus side of the condition
Bird Flu Virus Has Been Spreading in U.S. Cows for Months
Genomic analysis suggests that the outbreak probably began in December or January, but a shortage of data is hampering efforts to pin down the source
Rat Neurons Repair Mouse Brains That Lack a Sense of Smell
With an injection of rat cells, mouse brains that were genetically engineered to be unable to smell could detect odors and even track down an Oreo cookie stash
Energy Independence Is a Big Election Talking Point—But What Does It Mean?
“Energy independence” doesn’t mean what politicians think it means
Lethal AI Weapons Are on the Rise. What’s Next?
Lethal autonomous weapons might reduce civilian casualties—or make catastrophic mistakes
There Are Safer Ways to Bed-Share with a Baby
For some parents, bed-sharing is the only way their baby can sleep. Rather than talking to parents about how to do it safely, we try to pretend it doesn’t exist
How Foreign Governments Sway Voters with Online Manipulation
Almost half of the world population heads to elections in 2024. To counter disinformation activities aimed against the voters on social media, we must first understand how they work
China’s Moon Atlas Is the Most Detailed Ever Made
The Geologic Atlas of the Lunar Globe doubles the resolution of Apollo-era maps and will support the space ambitions of China and other countries
Corals Are Once Again Bleaching En Masse, but Their Fate Isn’t Sealed
Amid Earth’s fourth global coral bleaching event, a leading expert says tackling climate change is the key to fighting back.
Climate Leaders Debate Goal for Controlling Global Warming
A new U.N. program highlights the disconnect between climate messaging and the growing possibility of overshooting a key global warming threshold
A Solar Panel Standoff Threatens U.S. Climate Plans
Inexpensive Chinese solar panels are pitting Americans who want cheap equipment against those who want to make it
As Bird Flu Spreads through Cows, Is Pasteurized Milk Safe to Drink?
H5N1 influenza virus particles have been detected in commercially sold milk, but it’s not clear how the virus is spreading in cattle or whether their milk could infect humans
People Keep Secrets Because They Overestimate Harsh Judgments
Research suggests that people tend to exaggerate how critically they will be viewed if they reveal negative information about themselves to others
How Unhealthy Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Processed foods have been blamed for many health problems, but dietary research is tricky and nuanced
Cicadas Are Basically Safe for You—And Your Dog—to Eat. Here’s What to Know
Here’s what a chef, a vet and two anthropologists have to say about eating periodical cicadas
The Threat of a Solar Superstorm Is Growing—And We’re Not Ready
Someday an unlucky outburst from our sun could strike Earth and fry most of our electronics—and we’ve already had some too-close-for-comfort near misses