Space
Russian Meteor Largest in Century
The explosion rivaled a nuclear blast, but the space rock was still too small for existing advance-warning networks to spot
Stories by Geoff Brumfiel
The Sciences
Large Hadron Collider Is Set to Halt for Upgrades
Maintenance, improvement work and data analysis will keep scientists busy as the European collider's planned closure begins
Tech
Magnetic Logic Makes for Mutable Computer Chips
A new alternative transistor relies on a semiconductor that can be switched with magnetism instead of electricity. The approach could help make circuitry more malleable and lead to more efficient and reliable gadgets...
The Sciences
Shrunken Proton Baffles Scientists
Researchers are perplexed by conflicting measurements for one of the universe's most common particles
Tech
World's Most Powerful Laser Facility Shifts Focus to Warheads
The U.S. National Ignition Facility will devote less time to energy research going forward, after failing to demonstrate the principles of a futuristic fusion power plant
Sustainability
Nuclear Fusion Project Struggles to Put the Pieces Together
Contracting woes may cause further delays for $19.4-billion ITER, a project designed to show the feasibility of nuclear fusion as a power source
Evolution
Badger Battle Erupts in England
A plan to cull TB-carrying badgers is splitting farmers, conservationists and scientists
Space
"Astronomical Unit," or Earth-Sun Distance, Gets an Overhaul
A new AU redefinition involves changing it to a single number rather than basing it on a somewhat baffling equation
The Sciences
Common Interpretation of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle Is Proved False
A new experiment shows that measuring a quantum system does not necessarily introduce uncertainty
Tech
First Practical Maser (Microwave Laser) Is Built
The physics achievement fulfills 60 years of promise and could revolutionize communication and space exploration
Health
Prosthetic Retina Helps to Restore Sight in Mice
The device, which relies on new insights into how the brain decodes signals from the eye, could eventually be developed for use in humans
Tech
9 Theoretical Physicists Win Massive New Cash Award
A billionaire Internet mogul has awarded a record $27 million for work on fundamental theory, dwarfing the Nobel, Kavli and Shaw prize purses
Physics
The Problems with ITER and the Fading Dream of Fusion Energy
On the road to unlimited energy, the world's most complex science experiment encounters a few potholes
The Sciences
South Africa Wins Panel's Backing to Host Square Kilometer Array Scope
South Africa wins science panel's backing to host SKA telescope
Tech
North Korea Suspends Nuclear Testing
The U.S. offers food aid in exchange for moratorium on uranium enrichment and weapons testing
The Sciences
Signal for Higgs Boson Particle Gains Strength
The latest analyses from the Large Hadron Collider boost the case for the particle's existence, but there's no new data
Sustainability
Fukushima Nuclear Plant Released Far More Radiation Than Government Said
Global radioactivity data challenge Japanese estimates for emissions and point to the role of spent fuel pools
The Sciences
Particles Found to Travel Faster Than Speed of Light
Neutrino results challenge a cornerstone of Albert Einstein's special theory of relativity, which itself forms the foundation of modern physics
Sustainability
Fukushima Crisis Is Still Hazy
Chaos and bureaucracy hamper assessment of nuclear crisis
Sustainability
Fukushima's Reactor Cores Still Too Hot to Open
Six months after the disaster that caused three meltdowns, efforts to stabilize the Japanese nuclear power plant continue
