For many years, scientists had limited knowledge about the native bees of Alaska. An independent, nonpartisan news organization, the Alaska Beacon, focuses on connecting Alaskans to their state government and raising awareness about local issues, including the understanding of these bees. On a warm July afternoon near Fairbanks, a volunteer with the Alaska Bee Atlas...
For many years, knowledge about Alaska’s native bees was limited. Scientists and researchers had little detailed information. However, recent efforts are expanding our understanding. On a pleasant July afternoon in Fairbanks, a volunteer from the Alaska Bee Atlas carefully swings a net through the air near blooming fireweed. In the net, a small bumblebee flutters....
SpaceX’s Starship rocket almost took off on a test flight on Thursday but encountered a last-second abort due to engine issues. The company, led by Elon Musk, needs to investigate the cause before attempting another launch. This mission was intended to be the 13th flight for Starship, which stands at an impressive 407 feet (124...
Astronomers have identified LHS 1140b as a world with the essential traits for habitability: a rocky surface, an atmosphere, and a location within the habitable zone. These features make it a strong candidate in the quest for life beyond our solar system. On Thursday, researchers confirmed that the exoplanet possesses all three of these crucial...
A recent report by the leading scientific advisory body in the nation has highlighted a growing field of science that could enable governments to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for damage related to extreme weather. This field, known as extreme event attribution, attempts to answer a pressing question: How much has a recent weather event,...
A notable discovery emerged from the remote forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, unveiling a new species of monkey called Colobus congoensis. Locally known as Likweli, this primate is marked by its deep, resonant calls akin to other Colobus species. Despite being initially captured in a blurry photograph from nearly two decades ago, this...
On the morning of July 16, 2024, a meteorite hurtled across the sky above New York City, creating a spectacular fireball. It generated a sonic boom heard as far away as Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania. Initially, NASA reported that the rock responsible was unlikely to reach the ground, suggesting it would disintegrate upon entering...
Recent studies showcased at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London indicate that blood tests for Alzheimer’s might significantly change the diagnosis approach and risk prediction for the disease. On Tuesday, a study revealed a notable improvement in diagnostic accuracy among primary care doctors when they utilized blood test results to evaluate cognitive symptoms related...
The fossil of a Tyrannosaurus rex, known as one of the largest and most complete specimens, has set a new auction record. The 67-million-year-old remains, nicknamed ‘Gus,’ were sold by Sotheby’s for $50.1 million. The auction took place on Tuesday, marking the fossil as the most expensive dinosaur bones ever sold. This surpasses the previous...
Teri Weber enjoys daily walks on Sheridan Road in Winnetka. She often catches views of Lake Michigan between homes. However, she recently experienced a startling encounter. Red-winged blackbirds began dive-bombing her unexpectedly. “The first bird approached from behind, then the second from the front,” Weber shared. “I ducked, waved my hat, and screamed.” Other locals...