Science

Patricia Neves (left) and Ana Paula Ano Bom take a break at the institute in Rio de Janeiro where they work. The two scientists say they've been inseparable since they met in college. Now their friendship has made it possible to launch a remarkable partne

These Brazilian besties are inventing an mRNA vaccine as a gift to the world

6:20pm July 13, 2022

by Nurith Aizenman

Pfizer and Moderna have refused to divulge details of how to make their cutting-edge COVID shots. Here's what two scientists — and longtime best friends — are doing about it.

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The bright star at the center of NGC 3132, Southern Nebula Ring, while prominent when viewed by NASA's Webb Telescope in near-infrared light, plays a supporting role in sculpting the surrounding nebula. A second star, barely visible at lower left along on

Science

NASA's James Webb telescope captures groundbreaking images of distant galaxies

12:10pm July 12, 2022

Thanks to the telescope's deep and sharp infrared images, Earthlings are getting a more detailed look at distant galaxies than was ever possible.

The James Webb Space Telescope (shown here being tested on earth) is expected to reveal some of the most spectacular views of the Universe ever seen.

Science

NASA's James Webb telescope reveals the universe as we've never seen it before

9:24pm July 11, 2022

by Joe Palca

NASA's $10 billion new telescope showed the world something remarkable today: an image of some of the first galaxies to form in the universe.

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A Covid-19 testing site stands on a Brooklyn street corner in April.

A new dominant omicron strain in the U.S. is driving up cases — and reinfections

7:39pm July 11, 2022

by Allison Aubrey

BA.5 is now the dominant omicron strain in the U.S. It's good at evading the immune system, though doesn't appear to cause more serious illness.

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A pulse oximeter is worn by Brown University professor Kimani Toussaint. The devices have been shown in research to produce inaccurate results in dark-skinned people, and Toussaint's lab is developing technology that would be more accurate, regardless of

When it comes to darker skin, pulse oximeters fall short

1:19pm July 11, 2022

by Craig LeMoult

These devices measure blood oxygen levels and can help identify when patients are dangerously ill. But research shows they can deliver misleading results for people with darker skin.

A woman rides a bike on 42nd St. in New York during Manhattanhenge in 2016.

Science

Manhattanhenge, a unique urban phenomenon, sets for the last time this year

10:49am July 11, 2022

by Juliana Kim

On Monday and Tuesday, the sun will set between New York's skyscrapers — offering a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to marvel at the city planning that made Manhattanhenge possible.

Science

A new species of giant water lily has been discovered

2:52pm July 08, 2022

Botanists have discovered a new giant water lily with lily pads that can grow to nearly 10 feet wide. Researchers previously thought there were only two species of giant water lilies.

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Science

David Biello: Are we alone in the universe?

8:59am July 08, 2022

Are we alone in the universe? This hour, we travel the cosmos with TED science curator David Biello in search of extraterrestrial life, uncovering how it may look and how we'll know we've found it.

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Frank Stephens testifies at a Congressional hearing in 2017.

Scientists look to people with Down syndrome to test Alzheimer's drugs

8:37am July 08, 2022

by Jon Hamilton

Because people with Down syndrome are very likely to develop Alzheimer's, they are ideal candidates for experimental drugs meant to halt the disease.

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Emergency contraception: How it works, how effective it is and how to get it

5:00am July 08, 2022

Emergency contraceptives and abortion pills are not the same thing, though people often confuse them. Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned, it's vital to know the difference — and your options.