Category: Science

Following Hurricane Michael, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association released satellite images of the destruction. Amber Gee looked up her grandmother’s property in Youngstown, Florida to see the damage, and noticed that her relatives had spelled out the word “HELP” on the lawn. She was then able to inform emergency responders that her relatives were […]

The Sunday Times published an excerpt from Stephen Hawking’s posthumously-published book “Brief Answers to the Big Questions” in which the esteemed scientist warned that genetically-enhanced humans could become a dominant overclass. This is a concept that has been explored in science fiction, and emerging technologies combined with rising inequality could lead to such a dystopian […]

Hurricane Michael obliterated nearly every structure along the coast of Mexico Beach, Florida — except for a few shoddy foundations and one pristine home. The surviving home, known to its owners as Sand Palace, was built to withstand 250 mile-per-hour winds. As state officials weigh the need for stricter building codes, Sand Palace could serve […]

A French architect is using a drone to create 6-foot-tall mud-covered domes for emergencies and refugee housing. The domes are made by attaching bags of hay to a wooden frame and spraying a mixture of clay and fibers onto the structure with a drone. Architect Stephanie Chaltiel most recently featured one of these domes at […]

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is researching how to genetically modify crops using virus-carrying insects. DARPA says the program could help protect crops from droughts, floods, and frost. It could also protect the US food supply from international attacks. Some scientists and lawyers, however, say they believe the Insect Allies program is uncontrollable […]

The US Air Force sustained a massive blow to its fleet of stealth fighters in October due to a powerful hurricane possibly destroying 17 F-22s, and an F-35 crash that grounded the entire fleet of Joint Strike Fighters. As many as 17 F-22 Raptors may have been destroyed, though the Air Force now says damage […]

Researchers have uncovered a link between severe weather conditions, such as extreme drought or heat, and the global consumption of beer. Rising global temperatures could hinder the production of barley — the main ingredient in beer. Without enough supply to meet demand, the world could face a 16% decline in global beer consumption, with beer […]

“First Man” screenwriter Josh Singer explains why he believes the ending of the movie is accurate. It comes right from the autobiography of Neil Armstrong that the movie is based on. Warning: Spoilers below if you haven’t seen “First Man.” One of the most dramatic moments in Damien Chazelle’s Neil Armstrong biopic, “First Man,” is […]

As cities across the world contend with massive housing shortages, architects have developed new ways to build in miniature. Recent years have ushered in a wave of tiny homes, backyard units, printable 3D houses, and livable yachts, all of which aim to maximize space and minimize cost. As part of its MINI Living design series, […]

I tried DNA tests from 23andMe, Ancestry, and National Geographic to learn about my family’s history and my health. The tests vary in terms of what information they provide and how precise they are. I’m often asked which test I’d recommend. My answer boils down to one question: What do you want to get out […]