Science & Tech

Science & Tech

Explore the discoveries that reveal how the world works, alongside the technologies that extend, reshape, and sometimes challenge what’s possible.

Fluorescence microscopy image showing a close-up of cells in vibrant blue and green colors, with an arrow indicating a magnified section.
Cancers can’t develop without genetic mutations — or can they?
A spoonful of non-sugar sweeteners on a dual red and orange background, with sweetener grains scattered around the spoon.
Poor research can be worse than no research at all.
Holograms preserve all of an object's 3D information, but on a 2D surface. Could the holographic Universe idea lead us to higher dimensions?
A bright flash of light in the Universe
In general relativity, white holes are just as mathematically plausible as black holes. Black holes are real; what about white holes?
A graphical representation of network connections superimposed on a dark map, highlighting major nodes with bright orange and yellow lines.
Digital analyses of Enlightenment-era letters are teaching us a thing or two about Locke, Voltaire, and others.
A digital rendering of a planet partially illuminated by a nearby star, with a galaxy visible in the dark space background.
An interview with Lisa Kaltenegger, the founding director of the Carl Sagan Institute, about the modern quest to answer an age-old question: "Are we alone in the cosmos?"
timeline of the universe history
From the earliest stages of the hot Big Bang (and even before) to our dark energy-dominated present, how and when did the Universe grow up?
A minimalistic graphic depicting dual shades of blue, segmented horizontally, with small white dots scattered throughout, resembling a starry night sky.
Discover how Quantum Bayesianism challenges traditional quantum mechanics by focusing on the role of the observer in creating quantum reality.
A composite image of the milky way galaxy showing colorful interstellar dust and gas with star fields.
This first-of-its-kind image offers a detailed look at the magnetic fields within the Central Molecular Zone.
X-ray style image of a human head with brain highlighted by luminous, branching electric currents made of particles against a dark background.
At a fundamental level, only a few particles and forces govern all of reality. How do their combinations create human consciousness?
A person in a karate gi breaking a brick with a hand strike, demonstrating the physics of karate, superimposed on a background of mathematical equations and graphs.
A human hand has the power to split wooden planks and demolish concrete blocks. A trio of physicists investigated why this feat doesn’t shatter our bones.
dark energy
Dark energy is one of the biggest mysteries in all the Universe. Is there any way to avoid "having to live with it?"
Partial skeleton of a small animal embedded in dirt, with visible spine, ribcage, and skull, accompanied by three stones.
A poignant, 2,000-year-old burial in northern Italy could be the latest evidence of an ancient friendship.
Two images of shark embryos against a black background, showing developmental stages with visible internal structures.
A study of spinal development took a strange turn and made a surprise discovery.
universe temperature
In the 20th century, many options abounded as to our cosmic origins. Today, only the Big Bang survives, thanks to this critical evidence.
A realistic illustration of earth in space, bathed in sunlight with a visible blue glow from the GaiaSignatures atmosphere.
"I hope we take a mindset where we are willing to look for weird life in weird places."
how many planets
For some reason, when we talk about the age of stars, galaxies, and the Universe, we use "years" to measure time. Can we do better?
A technician in a clean suit inspects a large, segmented, hexagonal mirror inside a circular gray structure.
The JWST's observations of well-developed galaxies early in universal history may coincide with accepted astronomical theory after all.
wolf rayet wr 31a
The most common element in the Universe, vital for forming new stars, is hydrogen. But there's a finite amount of it; what if we run out?
first contact
Life arose on Earth very early on. After a few billion years, here we are: intelligent and technologically advanced. Where's everyone else?