Category: Science

Countries have debated for decades whether to allow mining on the ocean floor, a potential trove of critical minerals. Now, a Canadian startup says it will move ahead, whether or not rules are in place. (Image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration)

The partial solar eclipse will be visible in various locations in the U.S. Northeast. (Image credit: Bill Ingalls/NASA)

More than three-quarters of U.S. wells make just 6% of the country’s oil. They’re called marginal wells because of their small output. But they’re a big deal to oil producers and environmentalists. (Image credit: September Dawn Bottoms for NPR)

In this February 1944 publicity photo, men stand in front of turning vanes inside the Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT) at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory. The AWT was the only wind tunnel capable of testing full-size aircraft engines in simulated altitude conditions. A large wooden drive fan, located on the other side of these vanes, created wind speeds up to 500 miles per hour.

Nothing is certain in the quantum realm. A particle, for example, can exist in multiple quantum states simultaneously. The same goes for a quantum bit, or qubit — the basic unit of information used in quantum computing. The act of measurement causes these objects to collapse into a single state, and usually the best you can do is calculate the probability of a particular outcome. Source

Here’s the science behind the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit Myanmar on Friday (March 28).

Fossils of 444 million-year-old creatures whose bodies were preserved “inside-out” have been discovered in South Africa.

The Alaskan Volcano Observatory has shared new images of plumes of gas streaming out of Mount Spurr, which scientists suspect will erupt in the coming weeks or months.

Scientists have developed an impossibly thin telescope lens that addresses a key astronomical challenge in a new study funded by NASA and DARPA.

Lake Salda, in southwestern Turkey, bears a close resemblance to Mars’ Jezero crater, which is currently being sampled by NASA’s Perseverance rover.

A NASA map shows the regions across the Northern Hemisphere where this weekend’s partial solar eclipse will be visible, how much of the sun will be blocked out, and what time the eclipse will hit its peak.

What are the narwhals up to? Generally, we don’t really know! They are mysterious creatures. NPR science correspondent Nell Greenfieldboyce talks about new, rare drone footage scientists captured of arctic narwhals. The video sparked new ideas for how they use their tusks. Read Nell’s full piece . Love mysterious critters and want to hear more? Email us at shortwave@npr.org .

A genetic change that boosts a cell’s aerobic capacity while also protecting it from excess stress could explain how horses became such powerful athletes, according to a new study in Science.

Countries have debated for decades whether to allow mining on the ocean floor, a potential trove of critical minerals. Now, a Canadian startup says it will move ahead, whether or not rules are in place. (Image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration)