The Science DeskStoryboardWhat to Know About Nuclear FusionCurated byThe Science DeskThere’s an old joke that nuclear fusion is just 30 years away, and always will be. But the world is now a step closer with the news that a federal research facility has used lasers to achieve a “net energy gain,” producing more energy in a fusion reaction than was used to drive it. Here's why this is relevant for all of our futures, and why many experts are only cautiously optimistic about how soon we'll be able to use the technology.
The Science DeskStoryboardHow the CDC Failed During the COVID-19 PandemicCurated byThe Science DeskThe federal agency was supposed to lead the way, but under pressure, it didn't step up. Political interference by the Trump administration along with repeated miscommunication by the public health organization contributed to the CDC's inability to control the coronavirus. Can the agency make things right and rebuild trust with Americans again?
The Science DeskStoryboard'Ice Bucket Challenge' Helped Fund ALS DrugCurated byThe Science DeskDo you remember when friends prodded you to either dump a bucket of ice water over your head or make a donation to the ALS association? That activity went viral in 2014, raising more than $220 million to fight what's also called Lou Gehrig's disease. Eight years later, the funds have contributed to the creation of a new drug. In September, the FDA approved Relyvrio, the third U.S.-approved medicine for ALS, though it's not without controversy. Learn more about it and the drug pricing debate.
The Science DeskStoryboardMeet the 2022 Nobel Science LaureatesCurated byThe Science DeskScientists researching fossil human DNA, "click" chemistry and quantum entanglement were named as recipients of this year's Nobel Prizes.
The Science DeskStoryboardYour Voter's Guide to Fat Bear WeekCurated byThe Science DeskIt's that time of year again when you get to pick your favorite brown bear! Fat Bear Week is back and you have until Oct. 11 to cast your ballot for which of the 12 candidates has the chubbiest belly. Don't worry because we have all you need to vote. And if you're an educator, there are resources on how to make this celebration part of your classroom activities.
The Science DeskStoryboardAnother Historic SpaceX LaunchCurated byThe Science DeskIt may have seemed like just a regular mission to send astronauts to the International Space Station, but it was the people on board who made this trip unique. SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft is carrying a team of four, including Nicole Mann, the first Native American woman astronaut, and Russia's Anna Kikina. This is the first time in 20 years a cosmonaut has blasted off from U.S. soil. Read more about the launch.
The Science DeskStoryboardThere Are How Many Ants in the World?Curated byThe Science DeskScientists estimate there are now more than 20 quadrillion ants. To put that into perspective, that's 2.5 million for every human being. It's a figure that was once deemed "unimaginable." Read about the explosive population growth of these insects, plus how they stick to walls, adapt to their environment and more.
The Science DeskStoryboardThe Future of Climate ActivismCurated byThe Science DeskScientists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and activists gathered to talk about climate change at a conference organized by WIRED magazine. On the agenda: How to tackle food insecurity, comprehensive energy solutions, climate tech, extreme weather, and more. Here's what the experts say we should do next to protect the planet.
The Science DeskStoryboardHow Islands FormCurated byThe Science DeskA new landmass has appeared in the Pacific Ocean following the eruption of the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai. How are islands born and why do some appear then fade away — could it be due to climate change? Plus, it's possible to build your own island, if you have the money of course.
The Science DeskStoryboardHumanity: 1, Asteroid: 0Curated byThe Science DeskNASA deliberately crashed its DART spacecraft into the Dimorphos asteroid on Monday. It's a test to see if it's possible to move a celestial body and prevent its collision with Earth. However, we'll have to wait to see if the mission was a success. Read what happens next and see the incredible final images of DART before its historic impact.
The Science DeskStoryboardJackson, Miss. Residents Still ReelingCurated byThe Science DeskTap water may have been turned back on, but more work is needed to bring this city back from the brink. Flooding in August shut down the water supply in Mississippi's capital which has a mostly Black population. This has led to cries of environmental racism. The federal government has launched an investigation and some residents are suing city officials for failing to properly maintain infrastructure. Read more on the growing crisis and the psychological and economic impact it's causing.
The Science DeskStoryboardWorld Bank Chief Faces Calls to Resign Over Climate StanceCurated byThe Science DeskNobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore says David Malpass is a climate denier. Environmental activists want him out. However, the World Bank president remains steadfast that he won't quit. In an interview, Malpass was asked if he believed climate change was a hoax: "I don't even know — I'm not a scientist." His remark drew a rebuke from the public and the White House is considering replacing Malpass, who was named to the post by former President Trump.
The Science DeskStoryboardHow to Watch NASA's DART Spacecraft Crash Into an AsteroidCurated byThe Science DeskTwo asteroids, Dimorphos and Didymos, are nearly 7 million miles away from us and pose no immediate threat to the planet. But on Sept. 26, a $300 million U.S. spacecraft will collide with one of them, deliberately. It's part of a mission to see if it's possible to redirect potential hazards from Earth and shore up our planetary defense system. Read how you can watch this historic moment, plus what else NASA hopes to learn about our solar system.
The Science DeskStoryboardManchin's Climate 'Dirty Side Deal' Faces OppositionCurated byThe Science DeskDemocrat and Republican lawmakers seem to mostly agree: Reject the permit reform bill proposed by West Virginia's senior senator. It's the result of a secret deal Joe Manchin made with Sen. Chuck Schumer to pass the Inflation Reduction Act which addressed climate change. Both parties are upset, but for different reasons, and have vowed to defeat it — Manchin calls it "revenge politics." Nevertheless, Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi say they're "open" to the bill.
The Science DeskStoryboardLet's Explore the Solar SystemCurated byThe Science DeskNew images of Mars and Neptune captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, 3D renderings made of Jupiter's "frosted cupcake"-shaped clouds, and it's not just Mercury that's in retrograde. Plus, how you can watch a NASA satellite collide with a deep-space asteroid.
The Science DeskStoryboardLithium's 'Gold Rush' MomentCurated byThe Science DeskDemand for critical minerals that make up EV batteries is on the rise. As companies scramble to find available lithium, eyes turn to new mines opening up around the world. Take a look at where the industry stands and why more mining is needed to meet our climate goals. Plus, why countries are eager to claim their stake in order to reduce China's monopoly on this "white gold."
The Science DeskStoryboardA Call to Tax Fossil Fuel CompaniesCurated byThe Science DeskIn his opening remarks before the U.N. General Assembly, Secretary-General António Guterres proposed that the world take a firmer stance on protecting the planet. He said polluters should pay for the climate-related damages they cause. And the world body's chief didn't mince words when saying who should be the target of these penalties: the fossil fuel industry. But achieving this is easier said than done — it's an extremely divisive issue among rich and poor nations.
The Science DeskStoryboardPatagonia's History Fighting Climate ChangeCurated byThe Science DeskYvon Chouinard founded the clothing company in 1973. Nearly 50 years later, he's giving up control but for a noble cause: to save the planet. You shouldn't be surprised at the move — stopping climate change is Patagonia's "business," after all. Read more on Chouinard's perspective, how the retailer has walked the walk, and what it means to run a values-led business.
The Science DeskStoryboardBlue Origin's Uncrewed New Shepard Rocket MishapCurated byThe Science DeskBillionaire Jeff Bezos' commercial space company has been grounded pending an investigation by the U.S. government over what caused its rocket to fail minutes after liftoff. The incident triggered the capsule's escape system as intended, sending it safely back to Earth. No one was on board the flight and experts call this a significant setback for Blue Origin. Here's a recap of what happened.
The Science DeskStoryboardJFK's 'We Choose the Moon' Turns 60Curated byThe Science DeskIt ignited America's race to the moon. On Sept. 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave an impassioned speech to 30,000 people at Rice University in Houston on why the U.S. should send astronauts to the lunar surface. It was a rallying cry to the nation with a promise to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade — Apollo 11 did just that in 1969. Read how space exploration has changed. Plus, watch JFK's famous address.
The Science DeskStoryboardThe Green KingCurated byThe Science DeskWith King Charles III's ascension to the throne, environmentalists are watching closely to see how he'll rule. A staunch climate activist during his time as a prince, will the U.K.'s new monarch lead the country in tackling climate change? It's been suggested the King could curtail his campaigning over his new role — Prime Minister Liz Truss runs the government after all. Read more, plus some of then-Prince Charles' climate views.
The Science DeskStoryboardAnother Potential Nuclear Disaster in UkraineCurated byThe Science DeskScientists warn Russia's continued military assault on the Zaporizhzya Nuclear Power Plant could result in the "next Chernobyl." The UN nuclear watchdog group has sent in experts to examine the facility, the largest of its kind in Europe, and urge both Ukraine and Russia to establish a no-conflict zone around the plant. ZNPP provides power throughout the continent and one misstep could result in a plume of radioactivity being released.
The Science DeskStoryboardHurricanes and Climate ChangeCurated byThe Science DeskWe're deep into hurricane season, but you might not think so because August was so quiet. But don't be fooled because meteorologists forecast up to 16 named storms, of which at least six will become hurricanes. And a warming planet is only making them stronger. Read how climate change is transforming the weather in the Atlantic Ocean, why those in the Northeast U.S. could see more hurricanes, and steps you can take to prepare.
The Science DeskStoryboardCalifornia's Bold Climate PlanCurated byThe Science DeskLawmakers in the Golden State passed a series of bills aimed at fighting climate change. Pushed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, these measures include promoting more clean energy usage, developing regulations to capture carbon from the air, and establishing residential oil and gas well buffer zones. It would also extend the life of the state's remaining nuclear power plants.
The Science DeskStoryboardCalifornia Becomes First to Ban Gas Vehicle SalesCurated byThe Science DeskStarting in 2035, the sale of new combustion engine cars, trucks and SUVs will be prohibited in the Golden State. These vehicles are major carbon emitters and California wants residents to opt for battery- or hydrogen-powered modes of transportation. Though no other government in the world has followed suit, it's only a matter of time — many U.S. states model California's environmental practices.
The Science DeskStoryboardCries of Environmental Racism in Jackson, Mississippi As Water Crisis WorsensCurated byThe Science DeskMassive flooding from the Pearl River shut down a critical water plant in the Magnolia State's capital. Most of Jackson's residents are said to be without safe drinking water and now are scrambling for help. Tensions are running high because this situation isn't surprising — critics argue the government has for decades failed to invest properly in the majority-Black city's infrastructure. It's another example of how climate change impacts vulnerable communities.
The Science DeskStoryboardCommunityCurated byThe Science DeskThe best people, magazines and storyboards to follow on Flipboard if you care about our planet and its well-being.
The Science DeskStoryboardHow Earth's Warming Led to Pakistan's 'Climate Catastrophe'Curated byThe Science DeskMuch of the South Asian country is underwater following extreme flooding caused by melting glaciers. Pakistan has more of these dense ice bodies than nearly anywhere else on the planet, but as climate change worsens, it will lead to more devastation. The country doesn't rank among the top carbon emitters, but this illustrates how global warming can impact vulnerable nations. Read more, plus learn how you can help.
The Science DeskStoryboardWhat Caused NASA's Moon Rocket Launch Delay?Curated byThe Science DeskIt was supposed to be a historic day: The launch of the massive SLS rocket, carrying an uncrewed capsule to the moon and back. Engine problems, however, caused the event to be postponed until at least Friday. NASA says the chances of the Artemis 1 blasting off in a few days are "more than zero."
The Science DeskStoryboardMore Walks Could Help Prevent Doggie DementiaCurated byThe Science DeskAs your canine friend grows older, their mental acuity can suffer just like that of humans. A large study found that the chance of dogs developing cognitive issues after 10 years rises by half annually. However, scientists posit brain stimulation could help ward off dementia and other conditions. So take that good boy or girl out for a walk, make them search for those treats, and keep them active.
