Space & Physics
Milky Way's Black Hole Provides Long-Sought Test of Einstein's General Relativity
An observation decades in the making confirms predictions about how light behaves in an immense gravitational field
Stories by Nature magazine
Space & Physics
Big Bang Telescope Finale Marks End of an Era in Cosmology
With the end of Europe’s major Planck mission, researchers are moving to smaller projects studying different aspects of the cosmic microwave background
Policy
China Expands Surveillance of Sewage to Police Illegal Drug Use
Privacy concerns, cultural differences fuel skepticism about this approach in other settings
Policy
Science under Siege: Behind the Scenes at Trump's Troubled Environment Agency
Uncertainty, hostility and irrelevance are now part of daily life for scientists at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Engineering
South Africa Celebrates Completion of Gigantic, Supersensitive Telescope
MeerKAT has drawn astronomers, engineers and data scientists from around the world
Conservation
Deforestation Ticks Up in Brazil's Savanna
The Cerrado is the most threatened biome in Brazil, environmentalists proclaim
Evolution
Tools from China are Oldest Hint of Human Lineage Outside Africa
2.1-million-year-old stone tools suggest hominins reached East Asia much earlier than thought
Biotech
Controversial CRISPR “Gene Drives” Tested in Mammals for the First Time
Experiments in mice suggest the technology has a long way to go before being used for pest control in the wild
Behavior
Use of “Smart Drugs” on the Rise
European nations see biggest increases in use of stimulants such as Ritalin by people seeking brain-boosting effects
Fitness
There's No Limit to Longevity, Says Study Reviving Human Life Span Debate
The findings counter some previous work
Policy
Top U.S. Court Upholds Trump Travel Ban: Student Visas Already in Decline
In 5-4 ruling, Supreme Court allows government to bar visitors and immigrants from seven nations
Biotech
New Human Gene Tally Reignites Debate
The controversy over how many genes are contained in the human genome continues to simmer
Policy
Controversial Alcohol Study Cancelled by U.S. Health Agency
An investigation by the U.S. National Institutes of Health finds missteps that put the industry-funded project’s credibility in doubt
Space & Physics
Asteroid Battle: Tech Entrepreneur Doubles Down on Critique of NASA Mission
Nathan Myhrvold argues that the scientific approach of the landmark NEOWISE space-rock mission is deeply flawed
Chemistry
World Cup Ban on Radioactive Chemicals Frustrates Russian Biochemistry Labs
Security measures implemented in advance of the event have affected some scientists
Computing
Microsoft’s Purchase of GitHub Leaves Some Scientists Uneasy
They fear the online platform will become less open, but other researchers say the buyout could make GitHub more useful
Chemistry
The Battle behind the Periodic Table's Latest Additions
Four new elements were added in 2015, but some researchers say the announcement was premature
Weather
Hurricanes Slow Their Roll around the World
Storms' slowdown means more rain, and potentially more damage, for populated areas
Natural Disasters
World’s Deadliest Volcanoes Are Identified
Indonesia is most at risk from eruptions, compared with other nations
Policy
EPA Science Advisors Question “Secret Science” Rule on Data Transparency
Independent board will review agency decisions to repeal or change climate regulations and rules on the use of non-public data
