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Astronomy

Massive superflares have been seen erupting from stars like the sun

Older stars, like the sun, can still send out massive bursts of energy that can be seen from light-years away.

Environment

Some Canadian lakes still store DDT in their mud

Yesterday’s DDT pollution crisis is still today’s problem in some of Canada’s lakes.

Climate

The National Weather Service has launched its new U.S. forecasting model

The United States has finally unveiled its new, highly touted weather prediction model, but some scientists worry that it’s not ready for prime time.

Archaeology

People may have smoked marijuana in rituals 2,500 years ago in western China

Cannabis may have been altering minds at an ancient high-altitude cemetery, researchers say

Animals

Bats are the main cause of rare rabies deaths in the U.S.

In the United States, bats are mostly to blame for rabies deaths, while rabies transmitted by overseas dogs comes in second.

Astronomy

Astronomers may have spotted the ghost galaxy that hit the Milky Way long ago

Astronomers think they’ve identified a galaxy that hit the Milky Way and ruffled its edges millions of years ago.

Health & Medicine

Extra fingers, often seen as useless, can offer major dexterity advantages

Two people born with six fingers on each hand can control the extra digit, using it to do tasks better than five-fingered hands, a study finds.

Health & Medicine

A tiny crater on viruses behind the common cold may be their Achilles’ heel

Researchers have discovered a potential new drug target in a family of viruses responsible for the common cold and more serious infections.

Archaeology

These knotted cords may hide the first evidence that the Incas collected taxes

Some knotted string devices point to crop levies imposed by the Incan empire, researchers say. But other khipus continue to evade description.

Genetics

Genealogy companies could struggle to keep clients’ data from police

Police probably won’t stop searching DNA family trees to find crime suspects. New restrictions on database searches could spur more fights over privacy.

Life

Some fungi trade phosphorus with plants like savvy stockbrokers

New views show how fungi shift their stores of phosphorus toward more favorable markets where the nutrient is scarce.

Agriculture

The U.S. is still using many pesticides that are banned in other countries

In 2016, the United States used millions of kilograms of pesticides that are banned or being phased out in the European Union, Brazil and China.