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Science Archive

Archives for February 2024

Future Perfect
Space trash lasers, explainedSpace trash lasers, explained
Play
Future Perfect

Space debris is a huge problem, but we can fix it.

By Coleman Lowndes
Science
Why leap years exist, explained in one simple animationWhy leap years exist, explained in one simple animation
Science

There are 365.2422 days for every Earth orbit around the sun. Annoying!

By Brian Resnick
Space
America’s first moon landing in 50 years, explainedAmerica’s first moon landing in 50 years, explained
Space

The groundbreaking development speaks to the growing role of private companies in space.

By Li Zhou
Today, Explained newsletter
Living in an abortion ban state is bad for mental healthLiving in an abortion ban state is bad for mental health
Today, Explained newsletter

Worsened anxiety and depression is a predictable (and costly) effect of abortion bans.

By Keren Landman, MD
A war has never been fought in orbit. That may be about to change.
Future Perfect

How the US is preparing to fight — and win — a war in space

By Tim Fernholz
Down to Earth
Scientists strapped cameras to a bunch of polar bears. The footage is breathtaking — and alarming.Scientists strapped cameras to a bunch of polar bears. The footage is breathtaking — and alarming.
Down to Earth

As the Arctic warms, these iconic bears are spending more time on land. New videos reveal why that’s a problem.

By Benji Jones
We have treatments for opioid addiction that work. So why is the problem getting worse?
Future Perfect

Opioid addiction doesn’t get as many headlines as it used to, but the crisis is as bad as ever. It doesn’t have to be.

By Lydialyle Gibson
Down to Earth
Beware: A cheese crisis loomsBeware: A cheese crisis looms
Down to Earth

Gird your curds! Say a prayer for Camembert! A collapse in microbe diversity puts these French cheeses at risk.

By Benji Jones
2023 was the hottest year on record. It also pushed the world over a dangerous line.
Climate

Another analysis shows 2023 exceeded 1.5C of warming on average for the first time, a key limit in the Paris Climate Agreement.

By Umair Irfan
Climate
How California’s torrential, life-threatening storms got so badHow California’s torrential, life-threatening storms got so bad
Climate

Back-to-back atmospheric rivers have triggered floods, snowstorms, and power outages in the Golden State.

By Umair Irfan