Feature

Chemistry

How rare earth elements’ hidden properties make modern technology possible

Because of their unique chemistry, the rare earth elements can fine-tune light for many different purposes and generate powerful magnetic fields.

Earth

Rare earth mining may be key to our renewable energy future. But at what cost?

We take you inside Mountain Pass, the only rare earth mine in the United States.

Space

Artemis missions will usher in a new, more diverse crew of astronauts

Space agencies are preparing to send the next generation of astronauts to the moon and beyond. Here’s how the next crews will be different from the last ones.

Health & Medicine

‘Forever chemicals’ may pose a bigger risk to our health than scientists thought

PFAS are linked to obesity, cancers and more. Growing evidence of the chemicals’ risks has prompted new guidance for safe drinking water and consumer testing.

Health & Medicine

At a long COVID clinic, here’s how doctors are trying to help one woman who is struggling

As more people experience long-term health problems from COVID-19, long COVID clinics try to help patients manage symptoms, like brain fog and fatigue.

Space

Artemis I finally launched. Here’s what it means for human spaceflight

The launch of NASA's Artemis I is a giant step toward sending humans back to the moon and heading beyond.

Health & Medicine

Where are the long COVID clinics?

For people with long COVID, finding a place to get appropriate medical care is a challenge.

Animals

Tree-climbing carnivores called fishers are back in Washington’s forests

Thanks to a 14-year reintroduction effort, fishers, or “tree wolverines,” are once again climbing and hunting in Washington’s forests after fur trapping and habitat loss wiped them out.

Health & Medicine

Smruthi Karthikeyan turned to wastewater to get ahead of COVID-19

Smruthi Karthikeyan’s system for tracking the coronavirus gives lifesaving public health measures a head start.

Science & Society

Big questions inspire the scientists on this year’s SN 10 list

These scientists to watch study climate change, alien worlds, human evolution, the coronavirus and more.

Anthropology

Tina Lasisi wants to untangle the evolution of human hair

Tina Lasisi is pioneering studies of human variation in an ethical and scientifically sound way.

Earth

Jacky Austermann looks to the solid earth for clues to sea level rise

Jacky Austermann’s work could help inform practical climate change solutions for at-risk coastal cities.