Africa’s great divide: Why the continent’s split is so exciting for science

by News Feed Editor | Mar 16, 2026 | Science

Time and time again, Hollywood has embraced an imminent apocalypse, as films like “2012” beamed the fictionalized end of the world onto the big screen.Fortunately, the scientific logic for many such movies has been, to put it lightly, creative. The planet’s crust did...

Why are there seven days in a week?

by News Feed Editor | Mar 15, 2026 | Science

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to [email protected] are there seven days in a week? – Henry E., age 8, Somerville, MassachusettsWaiting for the weekend can often...

A state of matter last seen just after the Big Bang may exist inside neutron stars — and scientists think they can prove it

by News Feed Editor | Mar 15, 2026 | Science

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.An illustration of two neutron stars colliding and merging. | Credit: Robert Lea (created with Canva)We could soon be able to “see” inside a neutron star...

After attacks on Iran’s oil facilities, toxic black rain endangers the public

by News Feed Editor | Mar 15, 2026 | Science

Clouds of toxic smoke unleashed into the atmosphere by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian oil facilities made a dangerous return to Earth in the form of “black rain,” prompting international health officials to warn of serious risks to the public.Residents in Tehran...

Two days, two coasts, two more SpaceX Starlink batches launched

by News Feed Editor | Mar 14, 2026 | Science

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.Two SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets carrying Starlink satellites were launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California (at left) and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station...

How did I get my own unique set of fingerprints?

by News Feed Editor | Mar 14, 2026 | Science

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to [email protected] do we get the fingerprints we have? – Oscar V., age 8, Somerville, MassachusettsFingerprints are those little...