Space & Physics
Destination Neptune! Rare Chance to Reach Ice Giants Excites Scientists
A planetary alignment provides a window to visit Uranus and Neptune—but time is tight
Stories by Nature magazine
Biotech
CRISPR Treatment Inserted Directly into the Body for the First Time
The experiment tests a gene-editing therapy for a hereditary blindness disorder
Space & Physics
Coronavirus Fears Cancel World’s Biggest Physics Meeting
Physicists who were set to attend the American Physical Society’s Denver conference are using virtual platforms to share their talks
Space & Physics
Mysterious Faded Star Betelgeuse Has Started to Brighten Again
“Orion’s shoulder” had reached unprecedented dimness in mid-February, leaving astronomers befuddled
Mental Health
What’s Next for Psychology’s Embattled Field of Social Priming
A promising field of research on social behavior struggled after investigators couldn’t repeat key findings. Now researchers are trying to establish what’s worth saving
Public Health
Scientists Question China’s Decision Not to Report Symptom-Free Coronavirus Cases
Researchers say that excluding these people could conceal the epidemic’s true extent, but others say the practice makes sense
Space & Physics
The Supercool Materials That Send Heat to Space
Paints, plastics and even wood can be engineered to stay cool in direct sunlight—but their role in displacing power-hungry air conditioners remains unclear
Policy
NASA Soars and Others Plummet in Trump’s Budget Proposal
U.S. research sees deep cuts in the president’s request for 2021. But Congress has resisted similar reductions in the past
Engineering
How Quickly Can Iran Make a Nuclear Bomb?
With an international deal in serious jeopardy, Iran is not racing to build nuclear weapons—but its capabilities are growing
Biotech
Step Aside, CRISPR: RNA Editing Is Taking Off
Making changes to the molecular messengers that create proteins might offer flexible therapies for cancer, pain or high cholesterol, in addition to genetic disorders
Public Health
Australian Lab First to Grow New Virus Outside China
The team plans to share the virus with groups around the world to spur development of diagnostics and vaccines
Evolution
Thousands of Ancient Aboriginal Sites Probably Damaged in Australian Fires
The sites are rich in cultural history, but the blazes might also reveal some unknown ones, say archaeologists
Public Health
Some Scientists Skeptical about Snakes Spreading New Virus in China
A genetic analysis suggests a reptilian reservoir, but researchers doubt the coronavirus could have originated in animals other than birds or mammals
Health
Survival of the Fittest Cells
Cells in the body don’t always play nicely together. Could co-opting their competitive nature help to unlock cutting-edge therapies?
Space & Physics
How the Fight over a Hawaii Mega Telescope Could Change Astronomy
The Thirty Meter Telescope controversy is forcing scientists to grapple with how their research affects indigenous peoples
Environment
Catastrophic Australian Bushfires Derail Research
But scientists see chance to control invasive species and study ecosystem disruption
Computing
Supercomputer Scours Fossil Record for Earth’s Hidden Extinctions
Paleontologists have charted 300 million years of Earth’s history in breathtaking detail
Biotech
Kill Switch for CRISPR Could Make Gene Editing Safer
Anti-CRISPR proteins could bolster biosecurity and improve medical treatments
Space & Physics
SpaceX Tests Black Satellite to Reduce “Megaconstellation” Threat to Astronomy
Latest launch includes “DarkSat” prototype to minimize reflection from fleets of broadband Internet satellites
Engineering
A Huge Scientific Effort Is Studying Notre Dame’s Ashes
Researchers are making use of an unprecedented opportunity to study the cathedral's innards
