Science

December 10, 2023 11:44 AM

A massive star called Betelgeuse will be briefly obscured by an asteroid Monday night

The astronomical event, known as an occultation, is expected to occur for no longer than 15 seconds but could offer scientists new insights into the star and the asteroid that will obscure it.

by Joe Hernandez

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December 10, 2023 5:05 AM

Houston, we have a tomato: ISS astronauts locate missing fruit (or vegetable)

A missing tomato sparked a lighthearted mystery for the astronauts on board the International Space Station — and it's finally been solved after months of accusations and intrigue.

by Erika Ryan

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December 6, 2023 4:00 AM

A little electric stimulation in just the right spot may bolster a damaged brain

A small study found that electrically stimulating an area deep in the brain allowed people with severe traumatic brain injuries to complete a cognitive test more quickly.

by Jon Hamilton

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December 4, 2023 5:04 AM

Companies say they're closing in on nuclear fusion as an energy source. Will it work?

For decades, government scientists have toiled away trying to make nuclear fusion work. Will commercial companies sprint to the finish?

by Geoff Brumfiel

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December 1, 2023 9:00 AM

Photos: Northern lights painted Minnesota skies overnight

Photographers around the state shared some of their snapshots of the northern lights painting the skies pink, purple and green overnight and just before Friday sunrise.

by MPR News Staff

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December 1, 2023 2:01 AM

These penguins take 10,000 little naps a day — seconds at a time

Sleep. It's an essential biological function that has long intrigued scientists. This week, scientists finally added one piece to the elusive sleep puzzle: How wild chinstrap penguins sleep amid their noisy colony.

by Regina G. Barber, Aaron Scott and Brent Baughman

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November 30, 2023 2:25 PM

Tips to improve your chances of seeing the northern lights

Chances to spot the northern lights are strong Thursday night and early Friday morning. Here are a few tips on how to monitor conditions, and how to catch the extraterrestrial show.

by MPR News Staff

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November 23, 2023 7:00 AM

Could a 'funky' pathogen be sickening dogs? Scientists search for clues

Dogs around the country are becoming sick with an unknown respiratory illness. Some veterinarians are warning dog owners to take precautions. A strange bacterium could be involved.

by Will Stone

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November 23, 2023 4:00 AM

Salty much? These brain cells decide when tasty becomes blech

Scientists say two separate brain circuits control how much salt we consume.

by Jon Hamilton

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November 22, 2023 4:47 AM

Can we grow veggies on Mars? Fly larvae and synthetic soil may hold the answer

A Texas undergrad is investigating how to grow vegetables on Mars — and has cultivated test samples of English peas in simulated Martian soil, with fertilizer from fly larvae.

by Mallory Yu

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