Science

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA's ambitious journey back to the Moon has encountered another hurdle, as the Artemis II Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket are being rolled back to the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center. This unexpected return to the hangar stems from a newly identified malfunction within the rocket's critical helium pressurization system, forcing a further delay for the first crewed lunar mission in over five decades

Across regions increasingly besieged by escalating wildfires, a pervasive and insidious threat lurks in the air: wildfire smoke. Far from being a mere respiratory irritant, this complex mixture of gases and fine particles constitutes a profound danger to nearly every organ system in the human body, silently inflicting both immediate and long-term damage that extends well beyond the lungs

International research unveils comprehensive genetic map of cat cancers, highlighting parallels with human disease and accelerating development of targeted therapies. A groundbreaking international study has decoded the complex genetic landscape of feline cancers, revealing striking similarities to human malignancies and opening new avenues for translational research that could benefit both species. Published on February 19, 2026, in the journal *Science*, this monumental effort provides the first large-scale genetic map of cancer in domestic cats, marking a significant leap forward in understanding the fundamental mechanisms driving these devastating diseases

In an increasingly hyper-connected world, the aftermath of a romantic breakup has taken on a new, insidious dimension: the omnipresent digital shadow of a former partner. While personal separation can be painful, the temptation to monitor an ex's life through social media platforms often prolongs distress and significantly hinders the healing process

The sudden, brutal poisoning of prominent Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny in August 2020 sent shockwaves across the globe, revealing a dark chapter in the use of sophisticated chemical weapons. While the immediate aftermath was shrouded in mystery and denial, subsequent international investigations definitively identified the substance as Novichok, a highly potent, lab-synthesized nerve agent

The intoxicating rush, the butterflies in the stomach, the profound sense of connection—love, a universal human experience, often feels like pure magic. Yet, beneath the poetry and romance lies a complex interplay of neurochemicals and hormones, sparking a scientific inquiry into whether a single "love chemical" truly exists

For decades, the origins of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting millions worldwide, have remained elusive, shrouded in a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors. However, groundbreaking research has now unveiled a profound and perhaps causative link: the ubiquitous Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) serves as a critical trigger for the condition in many individuals

A growing number of women are turning to "cycle syncing" their exercise routines, a practice that aligns workouts with the fluctuating hormonal landscape of the menstrual cycle, in hopes of optimizing physical performance and overall well-being. This emergent wellness trend, gaining traction across social media and fitness communities, suggests that tailoring activity levels to the body's natural rhythms can unlock benefits ranging from enhanced energy to reduced premenstrual symptoms

Geneva, Switzerland – A new global analysis released ahead of World Cancer Day 2026 underscores a profound and actionable truth: a significant portion of the world's cancer burden could be averted. Up to four in ten cancer cases globally are preventable, with smoking, infections, and alcohol consumption identified as primary modifiable risk factors

NUUK, GREENLAND – A complex tapestry of geopolitical tensions, community concerns, and increasingly alarming climate data is creating a palpable sense of unease among Arctic scientists engaged in critical research across Greenland. Far from being a pristine, isolated laboratory, the world’s largest island has become a crucible where the urgency of global climate change intersects with indigenous rights, international diplomacy, and the profound human impact of scientific exploration

More than three decades after the horrific chemical attack on Halabja, the physical wounds may have scarred over for many, but the invisible psychological toll continues to afflict a vast majority of its survivors. What was once dismissed or undiagnosed has emerged as a pervasive mental health crisis, with recent studies revealing alarmingly high rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among those who endured the 1988 assault, highlighting a long-neglected legacy of suffering that demands urgent attention and comprehensive support. ### The Shadow of Chemical Warfare: A Legacy of Physical and Psychological Devastation On March 16, 1988, the Kurdish city of Halabja became the site of the largest chemical weapons attack against a civilian population in history

Nötsch im Gailtal, Austria – A pet cow named Veronika has recently stunned researchers and the scientific community by demonstrating a sophisticated ability to use tools, a behavior previously thought to be exclusive to a very limited number of species, including chimpanzees and humans. This remarkable discovery, detailed in a new study published in the Cell Press journal *Current Biology*, is prompting a significant re-evaluation of the cognitive capabilities of cattle and challenging long-held assumptions about livestock intelligence

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In an unprecedented event for the International Space Station (ISS), a four-member crew is undertaking an urgent return to Earth, scheduled for a splashdown early Thursday, following a medical emergency involving one of the astronauts

As cannabis legalization expands across the globe, a critical challenge has emerged: how to accurately and reliably measure impairment. Unlike alcohol, where a direct correlation between blood alcohol content and impairment is well-established, quantifying cannabis-induced impairment presents a complex scientific puzzle

As the calendar pages turn, marking the imminent arrival of 2026, millions across the globe will partake in the time-honored tradition of New Year's resolutions. This annual ritual, imbued with the promise of self-improvement and fresh beginnings, often begins with fervent hope but, for many, concludes with quiet disappointment