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Smart News / Smart News Science

The Grand Prismatic Spring inside Yellowstone National Park

A Surprising Amount of Magma Is Under Yellowstone’s Supervolcano

New research suggests more melted rock lies beneath the Yellowstone Caldera—but it’s still not likely to erupt anytime soon

An illustration of the event horizon of a black hole

A Space Flash Detected in February Was a Black Hole Devouring an Unassuming Star

The bright light was the result of a rare cosmic occurrence known as a tidal disruption event

Over the past 43 years, the Arctic has warmed nearly four times faster than the rest of the world. 

Scientists Revive 48,500-Year-Old Virus, Setting World Record

As temperatures rise because of climate change, melting permafrost could cause dormant diseases to re-emerge, researchers warn

A brain scan of a person with Alzheimer's disease

Second Death Tied to Experimental Alzheimer’s Treatment

While the new drug is seen as a breakthrough, these deaths highlight a possible risk to patients on blood thinners, experts say

Artist’s reconstruction of Janavis finalidens

How a 67-Million-Year-Old Fossil Turned the Theory of Bird Evolution Upside-Down

A skull bone suggests prehistoric birds could move their upper beaks, much like most modern birds

An aerial photo taken at 7:15 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time on Monday shows the northeast rift zone eruption of Mauna Loa. 

Hawaii’s Mauna Loa Volcano Gushes Lava, Threatening Major Highway

The world’s largest active volcano is erupting for the first time since 1984

SharkGuard takes advantage of sharks’ “sixth sense”—their ability to detect electromagnetic fields using specialized organs called ampullae of Lorenzini.

An Electric Pulse Could Scare Sharks Away From Fishing Hooks

A new device could reduce bycatch of blue sharks by 91 percent and pelagic stingrays by 71 percent, research suggests

Copco 1 dam, one of the four that will be demolished

The Largest-Ever Dam Demolition Will Restore Salmon Habitat

Four aging dams are slated to be removed from the Klamath River beginning as soon as next year

The current outbreak has led to the first case of avian flu in humans in the United States.

More Than 52 Million Birds in the U.S. Are Dead Because of Avian Flu

Many domestic birds have been culled to contain the disease, which is also spreading in wild flocks

The rocket carrying the spacecraft with the three Chinese astronauts lifts off from Earth. 

China Launches Three Astronauts to Its Space Station

The crew will spend six months in orbit and conduct a number of science experiments

Whole Foods will stop buying Maine lobster December 15.

Whole Foods Will Stop Selling Maine Lobster, Citing Risks to Endangered Whales

Fewer than 350 North Atlantic right whales remain, and the marine mammals can become entangled in fishing gear

A group of zebrafish

Gut Bacteria Might Shape Social Behavior

A study of zebrafish reveals the mix of microbes in the intestinal tract could influence brain development

Andy Hackett and "The Carrot"

Angler Reels in 67-Pound Goldfish in France

British fisherman Andy Hackett caught and released the colossal creature, nicknamed “The Carrot,” while casting at a private fishery

Great Britain's John McFall (left) won a bronze medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing.

The First Astronaut With a Disability Is a Paralympic Bronze Medalist

The European Space Agency selected John McFall, along with 16 others, as part of its latest class of astronaut candidates

Male great bustard (Otis tarda)

These Giant Birds Might Self-Medicate Their STIs

During the breeding season, great bustards consume two plants that may combat common pathogens

The Colorado River passes through the Grand Canyon.

A Century Ago, This Water Agreement Changed the West. Now, the Region Is in Crisis

Much has changed since the Colorado River Compact was signed in 1922

Histoplasma under a microscope

Fungi That Cause Lung Infections May Be Spreading Across the U.S.

Doctors are likely to misdiagnose cases due to outdated maps of these fungi’s ranges

Rice is a major staple crop around the world.

Perennial Rice Could Raise Yields and Cut Costs

These plants that grow back year after year show promise, but they are not a silver bullet

A house damaged by last week's earthquake.

What Made Indonesia’s Recent Earthquake So Deadly?

The 5.6-magnitude earthquake that rocked the island of Java last week has killed at least 321 people

Close to two million Americans have Type 1 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.

First Drug to Delay Type 1 Diabetes Approved by FDA

The treatment held off disease onset by an average of two years in a clinical trial, but it won’t be cheap

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