This Week: Chasing neutrinos at the South Pole
In the News: Suspected twister kills 3 in Alabama
Neutrinos are odd: Extremely difficult to see, they travel through mass with scarcely a trace. A 1-billion ton detector in South Pole ice is now counting neutrinos, intent on understanding their origin and role in the universe, and even spotting echoes of the Big Bang. More »
The ocean’s most valuable fish are caught in a vise. Areas known as dead zones are encroaching on their living zones and pinning them closer to the surface, where they are more vulnerable to becoming the day’s catch. The predicament is yet another side effect of climate change. More »
For 15 years, we've presented the science behind the news. The Why Files are accurate, engaging, entertaining and educational. Check our links from national science teaching standards to specific Why Files -- all 750 of them! Whether it's geology or archaeology, weather or human behavior, The Why Files has it covered. More »
Got flu? Then virus particles can enter the air aboard aerosols released by a sneeze, cough or even a breath. Smaller droplets can stay aloft for hours -- so size matters. According to a new study, many droplets can float for an hour -- plenty long enough to infect another victim. More »
Tornadoes need wet air, dry air, and wind shear. Understanding these has lead to major improvements in tornado prediction. Is climate change boosting these storms?
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Canada's oil-drenched sands are the second-largest oil reserves. Using the "tar sands" pollutes air and water, destroys forests and boosts global warming. A good idea?
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After earthquakes caused horrific tsunamis in Sumatra and Japan, we wonder where tsunamis get their power, how warning systems work, and what's left after the cataclysm.
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When big tech goes bad, we ask: How do engineers design fail-safe mechanisms for nuclear weapons, radioactive waste, spaceships?
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When hospitals run out of anesthetics, antibiotics and cancer drugs, should we blame or thank the "gray-market"?
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