Science

How do pandemics begin? There's a new theory — and a new strategy to thwart them
Animals carry millions of pathogens. So it's a daunting task to find the one with the greatest potential to spark a pandemic. Now scientists are rethinking the way they hunt for that next new virus.
Is chocolate good for your heart? Finally the FDA has an answer – kind of
For years, chocolate-lovers have pointed to studies suggesting compounds in cocoa may be good for heart health. But some of the recent evidence comes from flavanol-rich cocoa, not from candy bars.
The search for life on Mars goes through Duluth
Since Mars’ surface is especially iron-rich, a researcher looked for comparable iron-rich rocks on Earth to see how much hydrogen they produced. Rocks like this are rare on Earth, but they can be found in Duluth.
Virologists defend their science as officials eye more oversight of risky experiments
Policymakers have long grappled with how to handle experiments that might generate potentially dangerous viruses. Now, officials are considering whether oversight needs to be expanded.
Earth will have 'a very close encounter' with an asteroid tonight, NASA says
There's no reason for alarm — but, a NASA engineer calls it "one of the closest approaches by a known near-Earth object ever recorded." It will be only 2,200 miles above the Earth's surface.
10 climate lessons we’ve learned in 10 years of Climate Cast
Climate Cast celebrates its 10th anniversary this month. How have climate science, news and solutions evolved since Climate Cast debuted in 2013? This special takes a glance back and a look forward with an expert panel of climate scientists and communicators.