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Apple patches decade-old iOS zero-day, possibly exploited by commercial spyware
: Flaw abused ''in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals'
Apple fixes zero-day flaw used in 'extremely sophisticated' attacks
Apple has released security updates to fix a zero-day vulnerability that was exploited in an "extremely sophisticated attack" targeting specific individuals.
The Business We’ve Chosen
I know this winter seems like it’s been a harsh one of extreme cold, especially, but the cold is more “normal” than what we’ve been experiencing in the past decade. […]
Snowball Earth was not completely frozen, new study reveals
Even when Earth was locked in its most extreme deep freeze, the planet’s climate may not have been as silent and still as once believed. New research from ancient Scottish rocks reveals that during Snowball Earth — when ice sheets reached the tropics and the planet resembled a giant snowball from space — climate rhythms similar to today’s seasons, solar cycles, and even El Niño–like patterns were still pulsing beneath the ice.
Women in Science: Climate Impact Researcher Sanketa Kadam
In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re featuring Kadam, who researches compound extreme events in India and their impacts on crops and farmland.
The physics of the Winter Olympics : Short Wave
Watching a ski jumper fly through the air might get you wondering, “How do they do that?” The answer is – physics!That’s why this episode, we have two physicists – Amy Pope, a physicist from Clemson University and host Regina G. Barber – break down the science at play across some of the sports at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Because what’s a sport without a little friction, lift and conservation of energy? They also get into the new sport this year, ski mountaineering - or “skimo” as many call it - and the recent scandal involving the men’s ski jump suits. Interested in more science behind Olympic sports? Check out our episodes on how extreme G-forces affect Olympic bobsledders, the physics of figure skating and the science behind Simone Biles' Olympic gold. Also, we’d love to know what science questions have you stumped. Email us your questions at shortwave@npr.org – we may solve it for you on a future episode!Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Life science research in extreme environments: a conversation with astronaut Jessica Meir
Communications Biology - Jessica Meir is a NASA astronaut, marine biologist, and physiologist. She flew for the first time to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019 where she served as a...
Why Scientists Are Still Figuring Out the Size and Shape of Jupiter
As astronomers catalogue thousands of exoplanets, why is our own solar system still so hard to detail?
This tiny organism refused to die under Mars-like conditions
Baker’s yeast isn’t just useful in the kitchen — it may also be built for space. Researchers found that yeast cells can survive intense shock waves and toxic chemicals similar to those on Mars. The cells protect themselves by forming special stress-response structures that help them endure extreme conditions. This resilience could make yeast a powerful model for astrobiology and future space missions.
Lindsey Vonn's courage was special. I hope we appreciate how much
It's not just that Lindsey Vonn was out there at the Winter Olympics. It's that she genuinely raced to win in a sport that demands extreme courage.
Chang’e-6 lunar samples reveal a giant impact reshaped the Moon’s interior
A colossal ancient impact may have reshaped the Moon far more deeply than scientists once realized. By analyzing rare lunar rocks brought back by China’s Chang’e-6 mission from the Moon’s largest crater, researchers found unusual chemical fingerprints pointing to extreme heat and material loss caused by a giant impact. The collision likely stripped away volatile elements, reshaped volcanic activity, and left a lasting chemical signature deep below the surface.
Physicists push quantum boundaries by turning a superfluid into a supersolid — and back — for the first time
Physicists saw excitons, a type of quasiparticle, undergo a reversible phase transition from superfluid to supersolid for the first time, opening new doors for studying extreme states of matter.
Ancient bones reveal chilling victory rituals after Europe’s earliest wars
New evidence from Neolithic mass graves in northeastern France suggests that some of Europe’s earliest violent encounters were not random acts of brutality, but carefully staged displays of power. By analyzing chemical clues locked in ancient bones and teeth, researchers found that many victims were outsiders who suffered extreme, ritualized violence after conflict. Severed arms appear to have been taken from local enemies killed in battle, while captives from farther away were executed in a grim form of public spectacle.
Physicists solve a quantum mystery that stumped scientists for decades
Physicists at Heidelberg University have developed a new theory that finally unites two long-standing and seemingly incompatible views of how exotic particles behave inside quantum matter. In some cases, an impurity moves through a sea of particles and forms a quasiparticle known as a Fermi polaron; in others, an extremely heavy impurity freezes in place and disrupts the entire system, destroying quasiparticles altogether. The new framework shows these are not opposing realities after all, revealing how even very heavy particles can make tiny movements that allow quasiparticles to emerge.
Something supercharged Uranus when Voyager 2 flew past
Voyager 2’s flyby of Uranus in 1986 recorded radiation levels so extreme they baffled scientists for nearly 40 years. New research suggests the spacecraft caught Uranus during a rare solar wind event that flooded the planet’s radiation belts with extra energy. Similar storms have been seen near Earth, where they dramatically boost radiation levels. The discovery reshapes how scientists think about Uranus—and why it deserves another visit.
Business Lookahead: Near, far, wherever markets are
STORY: From Japan's snap election to key U.S. data, these are the stories to watch in business and finance in the coming week. :: Japan votesJapan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is hoping for a stronger mandate as voters head to the polls on Sunday.The closely-watched lower house election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years.A strong showing by Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party would allow her to expand stimulus.That could heighten concerns about Japan's finances and push up government bond yields further in a selloff that could ripple out overseas.:: AI winners and losersCisco Systems and Germany's Siemens Energy report earnings on Wednesday.They've benefited from the AI boom in different ways, but now Barclays says that trade is "seeing extreme dispersion."That’s been evident in sliding software and data analytics stocks, which have plunged as traders focus on the existential threat posed by increasingly powerful AI models.AI enablers, companies contributing to the global AI data center build-out, meanwhile, have fared better. :: Delayed data dumpA double dose of major U.S. economic reports should give investors a critical view of the economy, following a delay by the recently ended three-day government shutdown.The January non-farm payrolls report, now due on Wednesday, is expected to show an increase of 70,000 jobs, according to a Reuters poll. Then, on Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release the January consumer price index, one of the most closely watched measures of inflation.
iPhone 18 Pro Max Rumored to Deliver Next-Level Battery Life
The iPhone 18 Pro Max will feature a bigger battery for continued best-in-class battery life, according to a known Weibo leaker. Citing supply chain information, the Weibo user known as "Digital Chat Station" said that the iPhone 18 Pro Max will have a battery capacity of 5,100 to 5,200 mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2nm process, the device could tout extremely impressive battery life.
Leylah Fernandez issues emotional message celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Leylah Fernandez has been extremely busy in 2026 so far as she looks to add more success on the court. Fernandez is a five-time champion on the WTA Tour, and once climbed as high as 13th in the world rankings.
3,700-year-old DNA reveals a family secret that stunned scientists
3,700-year-old DNA found in a cave in Calabria reveals an extreme family connection that baffles scientists.
Baltimore City Health Department issues Cold Blue extreme cold alert Wednesday night
The Baltimore City Health Deparmtnet activated a Cold Blue Extreme Cold Alert begining Wednesday night through Monday, Feburary 9 due to dangerous cold weather
At science fair, UC Berkeley researchers lobby for $23B bond to offset Trump’s cuts
California scientists left their labs last week to defend their work studying disease treatments, resilience to extreme heat and more
One of Earth’s most abundant lifeforms has a fatal flaw
SAR11 bacteria dominate the world’s oceans by being incredibly efficient, shedding genes to survive in nutrient-poor waters. But that extreme streamlining appears to backfire when conditions change. Under stress, many cells keep copying their DNA without dividing, creating abnormal cells that grow large and die. This vulnerability may explain why SAR11 populations drop during phytoplankton blooms and could become more important as oceans grow less stable.
Scientists are hunting for a forbidden antimatter transformation
MACE is a next-generation experiment designed to catch muonium transforming into its antimatter twin, a process that would rewrite the rules of particle physics. The last search for this effect ended more than two decades ago, and MACE plans to leap far beyond it using cutting-edge beams, targets, and detectors. A discovery would point to entirely new forces or particles operating at extreme energy scales.
Baby dinosaurs were the backbone of the Jurassic food chain
Despite growing into the largest animals ever to walk on land, sauropods began life small, exposed, and alone. Fossil evidence suggests their babies were frequently eaten by multiple predators, making them a key part of the Jurassic food chain. This steady supply of easy prey may explain why early predators thrived without needing extreme hunting adaptations. The findings offer a rare glimpse into how dinosaur ecosystems truly worked.
How the right won the internet
In the second part of our series on digital politics, we look at how online provocateurs have advanced extreme political ideas – and watched them seep into the mainstream, says digital media academic Robert Topinka
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold launches in the US, sells out in minutes
Again, extremely low stock is likely to blame. As promised Samsung brought its latest and greatest to the US today with its Galaxy Z TriFold. The handset...
Scientists take first look inside one of world’s most extreme engines
Scientists used optical diagnostic techniques to 'see inside' solid-fuel ramjets, one of the most extreme engines in the world.
Scientists found a way to cool quantum computers using noise
Quantum computers need extreme cold to work, but the very systems that keep them cold also create noise that can destroy fragile quantum information. Scientists in Sweden have now flipped that problem on its head by building a tiny quantum refrigerator that actually uses noise to drive cooling instead of fighting it. By carefully steering heat at unimaginably small scales, the device can act as a refrigerator, heat engine, or energy amplifier inside quantum circuits.
Doctors warn frostbite risk rising as dangerous cold grips the DC region
As extreme cold hits the D.C. area, experts explain how frostbite affects blood flow, early warning signs and what to do to prevent serious injury.
4 Incredible Techniques Combine to Advance Dark Energy Science
Big, recent investments are paying off as the world's dark energy observatories continue to produce results.
Hong Kong scientists launch AI model to better predict extreme weather
A team of Hong Kong scientists has developed an artificial intelligence weather-forecasting system to predict thunderstorms and heavy downpours up to four hours ahead, compared with the range of 20 minutes to two hours now.
Study Shows Google's Health-Focused AI Overviews Cite YouTube Over Any Medical Site
YouTube ranks 11th in traditional Google search results for health queries, but jumps to first place when it comes to AI Overview citations.
The tricky science of forecasting extreme winter weather
It doesn't help that the Trump administration is decimating climate research.
On Politics: The unwritten rule of politics Mamdani faces with 11 inches of snow
There’s little that bedevils a New York City mayor quite like a snowstorm.John Lindsay, running for re-election in 1969, could not get Queens properly plowed, and 42 people across the city would end up dead. Neither Michael Bloomberg nor Bill de Blasio encountered such carnage, but each of them faced down snow-related controversies: the billionaire Bloomberg for apparently being at his Bermuda retreat when snow struck the city in late 2010, and Bill de Blasio, in early 2014, for not allegedly sufficiently plowing the Upper East Side.Now it’s Zohran Mamdani’s turn to confront the snow. The 34-year-old newly-elected mayor, wildly popular with young leftists, must prove he can manage the city through a monster snowstorm. Partisanship is out the window. More than 11 inches fell on Central Park by the end of Sunday — a Jan. 25 record — and extreme cold is expected to remain in the city for the rest of the week.New Yorkers will, to a degree, be in danger. And it’ll be up to Mamdani to prove he can lead.
Extreme sports stars aim for world records at Mesa's Revel Surf Park
Colby Raha will attempt a 300-foot motorbike jump and record-breaking quarter pipe ride.
Ukraine commander says drone pilots hit Russians at extreme close range
The Unmanned Systems Forces' commander said his units' average engagement distance against Russian soldiers is less than 1 mile from the contact line.
Kim Vo Dies: ‘Extreme Makeover’ & ‘Shear Genius’ Star Was 55
The celebrity stylist was a colorist for Gwyneth Paltrow, Britney Spears, Goldie Hawn, Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, and more.
Dreary Russian shop sim I Have No Change announced
Indie developer Studio Rassvet has revealed I Have No Change, an extremely Russian and post-Soviet game where you sell things from a small street kiosk shop. I Have No Change is in development for…
Scientists call for urgent action as dangerous amoebas spread globally
Scientists are warning that a little-known group of microbes called free-living amoebae may pose a growing global health threat. Found in soil and water, some species can survive extreme heat, chlorine, and even modern water systems—conditions that kill most germs. One infamous example, the “brain-eating amoeba,” can cause deadly infections after contaminated water enters the nose. Even more concerning, these amoebae can act as hiding places for dangerous bacteria and viruses, helping them evade disinfection and spread.
How extreme cold impacts the human body, and tips to stay safe
Over the next few days, when wind chills could drop to minus 30 or minus 40 degrees, the cold can quickly become harmful to your health.
Make your health a priority during extreme winter weather with these tips
Whether you are a caregiver or a person with underlying health conditions, there are ways to prepare now for inclement weather to ensure you are staying safe.
LIST: Business and program closings Friday due to extreme cold temperatures
MADISON (WKOW) — Churches, businesses and programs throughout southern Wisconsin are announcing closures for Friday due to the extreme cold temperatures.
Health officials urge community to stay safe as West Michigan braces for arctic blast
As West Michigan braces for extreme cold to hit the area, health officials are urging the public to exercise caution.
Alarm as US mulls prioritising citizens in research funding
A senior White House official said the Trump administration is considering ways to prioritise research funding to American citizens, triggering alarm in the research community that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”The precise meaning of his impromptu comments, and what they could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have alarmed former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Related articlesNIH turmoil risks reciprocal EU-US access to health research fundingUS set to close office responsible for global science and technology dealsTrump halts new NIH grants to international health-research partnersSince then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
Alarm over US plan to prioritise citizens in research funding
The US’s leading science official has said the country will focus its research spending on scientists with US citizenship, triggering alarm that the country could destroy its century-long status as a magnet for overseas talent.Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), said last week that it is “important for us to continue to emphasise the use of federal R&D dollars towards American scientists and technologists that are staffed by Americans in their labs.” Asked about support for Chinese students during a Congressional hearing, Kratsios went on to say that in future funding announcements, the OSTP would “emphasise” that “we're funding American students.”Kratsios’s precise meaning, and what it could mean in policy terms, isn’t yet clear. The OSTP did not respond to multiple requests for clarification from Science|Business.But given that US science and technology has relied on overseas talent for the past century, Kratsios’s words have stunned former US science officials.Immigrants have made up around 30-40% of US Nobel Prize winners since the 1940s, for example. Except for some sensitive projects, countries typically grant research funding on a nationality-blind basis, lest they deter foreign scientists from immigrating. “If director Kratsios’s statements are taken literally and become official policy of the White House, [research-intensive] universities will likely have to close labs if not entire research divisions,” said David Biggs, a former science and technology official in the US State Department. In their most extreme interpretation, Kratsios’s comments would imply that foreign scientists established in the US would see access to funding curtailed. This would “result in many world-leading professors who work in the United States in fields that this administration considers a priority (like fusion energy, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing) leaving the country,” said Cole Donovan, a former US science diplomat, and now associate director at the Federation of American Scientists.CripplingHowever, given the context of the conversation, Kratsios may have been referring more narrowly to funding for doctoral or postdoctoral students. At the hearing, he said he wanted to see labs staffed by US citizens. But even this would have devastating consequences for the US science system, say former officials, because the country is so dependent on early-career foreign researchers. Recent statistics show that nearly half of those in the US with a PhD in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are considered short-term visitors, or non-residents in the official terminology. If this included residents who are not yet citizens, the proportion would likely be even higher. “Foreign PhD students are really a significant and core part of the university STEM workforce, and postdocs is similarly large,” said Donovan. Preventing US-based academics from hiring them from overseas would be a serious blow, he said. “If it's the case that this administration intends to limit funding to labs staffed only with US citizens, the effect will be to cripple the American scientific enterprise,” said Chris Marcum, a former OSTP official. “To think that these researchers can simply be replaced is a pipe dream. The labs will close,” said Marcum. Go elsewhereAround half of US-trained postdocs are foreign-born, said Biggs. “If these top international students cannot get funding to do their research, or even if they hear that funding for foreign students has been greatly restricted and will be super competitive, they will no longer choose to study in the US and will go elsewhere.” It’s unclear for now if Kratsios’s comments will translate into a real policy shift. But they could add to turmoil in the US science system since Donald Trump took over as president one year ago. Since then, nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated, Naturereports. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. Both those agencies have also dished out around a quarter fewer grants this year than normal, the journal reported. International student enrolment is also down by 17%. The Trump administration also proposes to cut research budgets by around a third, although Congress may mollify the cuts.
House Panel Votes to Hold Clintons in Contempt in Epstein Inquiry
The votes by the Oversight Committee were bipartisan, though many Democrats said the charges were extreme given Bill and Hillary Clinton’s willingness to answer questions.
Billy Bob Thornton abandons Hollywood's extreme body transformation demands after health concerns
Billy Bob Thornton reveals why he stopped extreme weight changes for roles, prioritizing health over dramatic transformations that once defined his career.
Life’s chemistry may begin in the cold darkness of space
New experiments reveal that protein precursors can form naturally in deep space under extreme cold and radiation. Scientists found that simple amino acids bond into peptides on interstellar dust, long before stars and planets exist. This challenges the idea that complex life chemistry only happens on planets. It also boosts the odds that life-friendly ingredients are widespread across the universe.
Health experts offer tips for staying safe outdoors in extreme cold
Emergency medicine physician says low body core temperature can lead to bad medical issues down the road.
Health expert says extreme cold could impact people's bodies more than they think
Global Citizen Appoints Industry Leaders in Entertainment, Business, Technology and Sports to Board of Directors
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global Citizen, the world’s largest movement to end extreme poverty, today announced the appointment of five new members... Read More
A deadly chemical frozen in ice may have sparked life on Earth
Hydrogen cyanide, a toxic chemical, may have helped spark the chemistry that led to life. When frozen, it forms crystals with highly reactive surfaces that can drive unusual chemical reactions, even in extreme cold. These reactions could produce more reactive molecules that pave the way for life’s basic ingredients. The findings suggest frozen worlds may be more chemically active than once thought.
How to watch 'Pole to Pole with Will Smith' — TV and streaming details as Oscar-winning actor blends adventure and scientific discovery
The actor joins seven expeditions "to discover the secrets of Earth's most extreme environments." Here's how to tune in
How Attribution Science Can Help Inform Grid Resilience
Extreme weather events were behind all high-impact power outages in the central United States between 2014 and 2024.
Climate-Resilient Health Systems for Sustained Value Chains, Healthcare Access and Services - Global Center on Adaptation
Climate-Resilient Health Systems for Sustained Value Chains, Healthcare Access and Services GCA Webinar Series on Adaptation Insights Zoom VIRTUAL 22 January 2026, 15:00 CET Register here nbs-for-infrastructure Share this post: Source: Background Climate change poses unprecedented threats to health systems globally, particularly in vulnerable regions across Africa and beyond. The cascading impacts of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and shifting disease patterns are disrupting healthcare delivery and access, infrastructure integrity, and supply chains essential for maintaining public health. Event DescriptionThe Climate-Resilient Health Systems for Sustained Value Chains, Healthcare Access and Services webinar will convene a panel discussion on the upcoming Climate Adaptation Insights on Health report and engage key stakeholders across government, development partners, private sector, and civil society in understanding the critical intersections between climate change adaptation and health system strengthening. By sharing insights on systemic vulnerabilities, interdependencies across the health system and supporting systems, and innovative adaptation approaches, this event will catalyze dialogue and action toward building climate-resilient health systems that can sustain healthcare access and services under changing climate conditions. The webinar will bring together participants from healthcare practitioners, multilateral development banks, international health organizations, climate finance institutions, research institutions, and civil society organizations globally. nbs-for-infrastructure Share this post:
Scientists discover what’s linking floods and droughts across the planet
Scientists tracking Earth’s water from space discovered that El Niño and La Niña are synchronizing floods and droughts across continents. When these climate cycles intensify, far-apart regions can become unusually wet or dangerously dry at the same time. The study also found a global shift about a decade ago, with dry extremes becoming more common than wet ones. Together, the results show that water crises are part of a global pattern, not isolated events.
The sludge in your shower drain? That could be scientists’ next big find : Short Wave
Microbes are little alchemists that perform all manner of chemical reactions. A team of microbiologists co-founded a non-profit to try to harness those abilities to solve some of the world’s big problems — from carbon capture to helping coral reefs to cleaning up waste. Recently, the team turned their attention to the microbes living in people’s homes — on and in shower heads, drip pans, and hot water heaters. These rather extreme environments may have pressured microorganisms into surviving in ways that could be advantageous to humans. Science reporter Ari Daniel takes us on a treasure hunt in miniature.This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez.Interested in learning more about the weird and wonderful world of microbes? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
The sludge in your shower drain? That could be scientists’ next big find : Short Wave
Microbes are little alchemists that perform all manner of chemical reactions. A team of microbiologists co-founded a non-profit to try to harness those abilities to solve some of the world’s big problems — from carbon capture to helping coral reefs to cleaning up waste. Recently, the team turned their attention to the microbes living in people’s homes — on and in shower heads, drip pans, and hot water heaters. These rather extreme environments may have pressured microorganisms into surviving in ways that could be advantageous to humans. Science reporter Ari Daniel takes us on a treasure hunt in miniature.This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez.Interested in learning more about the weird and wonderful world of microbes? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
The Most Shouted-At Politician in America
Scott Wiener—a pro-trans Zionist who wants California to allow more homes—has an extreme tolerance for pushback.
China's 'artificial sun' reactor shatters major fusion limit — a step closer to near-limitless clean energy.
China's EAST nuclear fusion reactor has successfully kept plasma stable at extreme densities, passing a major fusion milestone and potentially bringing humanity closer to wielding near-limitless clean energy.
This Is What The "New Arctic" Looks Like, Warn Scientists
The Arctic has entered a "new era" of extremes.
Exclusive: Intel readies Core G3 Extreme and Core G3 "Panther Lake" chips for gaming handhelds, featuring 12 and 10 Xe3 GPU cores
Intel Core/Arc G3 series coming Intel is preparing a Core G3 series aimed at gaming handhelds. The series has not been named by Intel, but the company did
3 things Trump did in 24 hours to show that he's in control of American business
“He’s taking an extreme left-wing position which looks like state capitalism,” said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a longtime corporate governance scholar and the founding dean of Yale’s Chief Executive Leadership Institute.
People in Brazil are living past 110 and scientists want to know why
Scientists are uncovering why Brazil may be one of the most important yet underused resources for studying extreme longevity. Its highly diverse population harbors millions of genetic variants missing from standard datasets, including rare changes linked to immune strength and cellular maintenance. Brazilian supercentenarians often remain mentally sharp, survive serious infections, and come from families where multiple members live past 100. Together, they reveal aging not as inevitable decline, but as a form of biological resilience.
Scientists tried to break Einstein’s speed of light rule
Einstein’s claim that the speed of light is constant has survived more than a century of scrutiny—but scientists are still daring to test it. Some theories of quantum gravity suggest light might behave slightly differently at extreme energies. By tracking ultra-powerful gamma rays from distant cosmic sources, researchers searched for tiny timing differences that could reveal new physics. They found none, but their results tighten the limits by a huge margin.
Goldman: Silver is set for continued 'extreme price swings'
Silver prices more than doubled in 2025 in its best year since 1979 thanks to Fed rate cuts, asset diversification, and a historic short squeeze.
Japanese startup Ludens AI brought two very adorable robots to CES 2026
Japanese startup Ludens AI is showing off two extremely adorable robot companions at CES 2026: Cocomo and Inu.
A missing flash of light revealed a molecular secret
Scientists have found a way to see ultrafast molecular interactions inside liquids using an extreme laser technique once thought impossible for fluids. When they mixed nearly identical chemicals, one combination behaved strangely—producing less light and erasing a single harmonic signal altogether. Simulations revealed that a subtle molecular “handshake” was interfering with electron motion. The discovery shows that liquids can briefly organize in ways that dramatically change how electrons behave.
China’s “artificial sun” just broke a fusion limit scientists thought was unbreakable
Researchers using China’s “artificial sun” fusion reactor have broken through a long-standing density barrier in fusion plasma. The experiment confirmed that plasma can remain stable even at extreme densities if its interaction with the reactor walls is carefully controlled. This finding removes a major obstacle that has slowed progress toward fusion ignition. The advance could help future fusion reactors produce more power.
Aaron Rodgers’ 2026 Return To Pittsburgh ‘Make’s Perfect Sense’
The Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-7 on the season heading into a “Sunday Night Football” game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers will be crowned champions of the AFC North with a win, but will be eliminated from postseason contention with a loss. A season full of extremely high highs and very low lows fittingly comes […]
Two unstable atoms are rewriting neutron star explosions
Scientists have precisely measured two unstable atomic nuclei that play a crucial role in explosive X-ray bursts on neutron stars. The results reveal faster nuclear reactions than previously thought, reshaping how we understand element formation in extreme cosmic environments.
Delaware Health Department opens warming stations throughout the state
These stations seek to provide warmth and safety to residents amid extreme cold weather conditions.
A NATO-Russia war would be bloodier than Ukraine, where 'golden hour' is already gone, officer says
Drones have turned the front line into a kill zone, and made casualty evacuation extremely difficult and dangerous.
PSU coaching change among top sports stories
There is no doubt that life can be extremely unpredictable and never holds any guarantees. The Penn State football program provided a glaring example of that over the last 12 months. Penn State went from reaching the semifinal round of the College Football Playoffs at the beginning of the 2025 calendar year, to starting the […]
Blog: Bridging science and humanitarian action – an internship at the Climate Centre
By Annalena Bacher (The Climate Centre is happy on New Year’s Day to open its coverage for 2026 with a young voice – that of its latest intern, Annalena Bacher, who worked with us from September to December 2025.) I have long been fascinated by climate change and extreme-weather events: their impacts on people, how […]
Nathalie Cabrol, astrobiologist: ‘It’s an achievement of science to admit we don’t know what life is’
The French-American scientist heads the Carl Sagan Center and researches the potential for humans to inhabit the extreme environments of our galaxy
NASA’s Webb telescope just discovered one of the weirdest planets ever
A newly discovered exoplanet is rewriting the rules of what planets can be. Orbiting a city-sized neutron star, this Jupiter-mass world has a bizarre carbon-rich atmosphere filled with soot clouds and possibly diamonds at its core. Its extreme gravity stretches it into a lemon shape, and it completes a full orbit in under eight hours. Scientists are stunned — no known theory explains how such a planet could exist.
I paid $500 to fly first class with Delta for the first time. It was great, but not worth the upgrade for a 3-hour trip.
My Delta first-class ticket included Sky Priority service, complimentary breakfast, two checked bags, and a spacious and extremely cozy seat.
Opinion | The 2025 Politics Yearbook: Most Likely to Be Extreme and Chaotic
How much more chaotic could a second Trump term be? 2025 did not disappoint.
Extreme Rush entertainment complex to open by early March
POCATELLO — After three years in the making, Extreme Rush will finally open its doors to area residents in the first quarter of 2026.
Wild things we learned about Earth in 2025
With findings on Earth’s polar extremes and its innermost core, scientists shaped how we look at the planet in 2025 in surprising and fascinating ways.
Surprising Celtics look to add to Blazers' road woes
Not having Jayson Tatum was supposed to make things extremely difficult for the Boston Celtics.
Inoue Reacts To ‘Extremely Disappointing’ Win
Naoya Inoue may have done enough to remain undefeated and solidify his spot as boxing’s pound-for-pound best earlier today (Sat., Dec. 27, 2025) in a title defense against David Picasso at The Ring V: “Night of the Samurai” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but “Monster” is not happy with his own performance and ultimately believes it’s […]
First Xiaomi 17 Ultra Leica camera reviews, comparisons and hands-on: Tough times for Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and others
2026 will not only be a challenge for Samsung. The Vivo X300 Ultra and Oppo Find X9 Ultra will also have to face an extremely dynamic 1-inch sensor and the first optical 200MP zoom camera in a phone, a combination that convinces in early camera tests and comparison shots. Initial hands-on reports also illustrate the advantages of the Leica Leitzphone Special Edition for ambitious photographers.
Evidence of a quantum spin liquid ground state in a kagome material
Quantum spin liquids are exotic states of matter in which spins (i.e., the intrinsic angular momentum of electrons) do not settle into an ordered pattern and continue to fluctuate, even at extremely low ...
NYC woman driven to suicide by 'extreme work stress' at Hell's...
Bang for your buck: the best affordable watches of 2025
Affordable is subjective, of course, but here's a list of watches from 2025 that are both budget-friendly and extremely impressive.
December 26, 2025
Physicist Sean Carroll takes on black holes, Schrödinger’s cat, and other big physics concepts. Plus, we revisit some of our top stories of 2025, covering research into how death metal singers safely produce extreme vocalizations, how algorithms and social media are changing language, and what we can learn from people thriving in the coldest parts of the world.
The Guardian view on adapting to the climate crisis: it demands political honesty about extreme weather
Editorial: Over the holiday period, the Guardian leader column is looking ahead at the themes of 2026. Today we look at how the struggle to adapt to a dangerously warming world has become a test of global justice
Israeli scientists say tiny organisms can revamp their own RNA to survive extreme heat
Using a novel method, Weizmann Institute of Science researchers map 16 types of simultaneous changes in dozens of samples; findings can lead to improved RNA-based medical technologies
New Runtime Standby ABI Proposed For Linux Akin To Microsoft Windows' "Modern Standby"
An exciting post-Christmas patch series out on the Linux kernel mailing list this morning is proposing a new runtime standby ABI that is similar in nature to the 'Modern Standby' functionality found with Microsoft Windows.
Ohio Hills Health Center Receives Grant To Expand Dental Services in Belmont County
Ohio Hills Health Centers recently received a grant through the Delta Dental Foundation to purchase dental equipment to expand the scope of services which will include extractions and endodontic procedures such as root canals. “OHHC is extremely grateful to the Delta Dental Foundation for this funding which allows us to purchase additional dental equipment to […]
Analysis: Extreme redactions undercut Epstein files release
Rather than settling matters, the government’s release of the Epstein files has had the opposite effect.
Boost Your Windows SSD Performance by up to 85% With This Server Driver Trick
It's almost as good as downloading more RAM.
How Climate Instability and Extreme Heat Could Upend High School Sports | Nonprofit Quarterly | Civic News. Empowering Nonprofits. Advancing Justice.
Coaches, scientists, and advocates are sounding the alarm about heat stroke—the leading cause of heat-related deaths in high school athletes.
This simulation reveals what really happens near black holes
Black holes are among the most extreme objects in the universe, and now scientists can model them more accurately than ever before. By combining Einstein’s gravity with realistic behavior of light and matter, researchers have built simulations that closely match real astronomical observations. These models reveal how matter forms chaotic, glowing disks and launches powerful outflows as it falls into black holes. It’s a major step toward decoding how these cosmic engines actually work.
This AI finds simple rules where humans see only chaos
A new AI developed at Duke University can uncover simple, readable rules behind extremely complex systems. It studies how systems evolve over time and reduces thousands of variables into compact equations that still capture real behavior. The method works across physics, engineering, climate science, and biology. Researchers say it could help scientists understand systems where traditional equations are missing or too complicated to write down.
Global warming could trigger the next ice age
Scientists have uncovered a missing feedback in Earth’s carbon cycle that could cause global warming to overshoot into an ice age. As the planet warms, nutrient-rich runoff fuels plankton blooms that bury huge amounts of carbon in the ocean. In low-oxygen conditions, this process can spiral out of control, cooling Earth far beyond its original state. While this won’t save us from modern climate change, it may explain Earth’s most extreme ancient ice ages.
English voters scatter from the center, strengthening extremes
England appears to be on the edge of a shift away from its traditional Labour-Conservative axis, to more radical parties such as Reform UK and the Greens.