Science

Former Palantir employees raise concerns over company’s government contracts on immigration

SMGN Publishing May 6, 2025

Thirteen former employees of data analytics firm Palantir have publicly expressed concerns over the company’s recent collaborations with the U.S. government, specifically with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Their comments follow a $30 million agreement between Palantir and ICE to provide tools enabling near real-time monitoring of migrant movements within

Soviet probe launched in 1972 expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere soon

SMGN Publishing May 5, 2025

A Soviet spacecraft named Kosmos 482, originally launched in 1972 with the goal of reaching Venus, is expected to reenter Earth’s atmosphere this weekend after spending over 50 years in low Earth orbit. Due to an engine malfunction shortly after launch, the spacecraft failed to leave Earth’s orbit and has

Scientific community expresses concern over proposed cuts to National Science Foundation

SMGN Publishing May 2, 2025

The National Science Foundation (NSF), a primary source of funding for basic research in science, mathematics, and engineering at U.S. academic institutions, is facing significant uncertainty following a preliminary federal budget proposal that aims to reduce its funding by more than half — approximately $4.7 billion. On the same day

Air pollution still affects millions in the U.S. despite decades of improvement

SMGN Publishing April 30, 2025

Over the past several decades, air quality in the United States has seen significant progress, contributing to increased life expectancy and reduced respiratory conditions. However, a recent report indicates that around 156 million people — nearly half the population — still live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution.

Amazon launches first internet satellites under Project Kuiper

SMGN Publishing April 29, 2025

Amazon has launched its first group of internet satellites into orbit, marking its official entry into the growing low-Earth orbit satellite constellation sector. The launch took place on Monday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station using a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, which carried 27 satellites from the company’s

The U.S. moves toward authorizing mining on the ocean floor, a fragile ecosystem

SMGN Publishing April 28, 2025

Former president Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at facilitating mining activities on the deep ocean floor, stating that it would strengthen the domestic supply of critical minerals. Currently, no commercial-scale deep-sea mining operations exist worldwide. However, companies have long viewed the ocean floor as a potential source of

NOAA Cuts Threaten Hurricane Forecasts and Climate Research

SMGN Publishing April 25, 2025

Recent administrative decisions have led to significant layoffs and budget reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), affecting weather and climate-related research, including hurricane forecasting efforts. Several employees, including probationary scientists like Andy Hazelton, were terminated earlier this year, temporarily reinstated following a federal court order, and then

Mercury, Venus and Saturn to align in a celestial display before dawn on Friday

SMGN Publishing April 24, 2025

Early Friday morning, skywatchers will have the opportunity to observe a notable astronomical event: the alignment of Mercury, Venus, and Saturn alongside a slender crescent moon. The phenomenon is expected to be most visible about 45 minutes before sunrise, low in the eastern sky. Venus and Saturn will be the

Scientists and organizations work to preserve public scientific data amid potential removals

SMGN Publishing April 23, 2025

Scientists and organizations are actively working to back up and archive publicly accessible scientific data from U.S. government websites that may be removed. The affected data covers areas such as public health, environmental monitoring, climate change, and extreme weather, with some datasets representing decades of federally funded research. In response

U.S. reconsiders space-based missile defense system proposed by Trump

SMGN Publishing April 22, 2025

Former President Donald Trump has asked the Pentagon to reassess the country’s missile defense capabilities. The proposed initiative, referred to as “Golden Dome,” envisions a network of interceptors potentially based in space, marking a significant escalation in complexity and cost compared to current systems. Unlike Israel’s “Iron Dome,” which is

More News

Private Credit Risks Rise

Felipe Cardona March 25, 2026

Mounting pressure in private credit markets Investor anxiety around private lending has intensified as funds that specialize in direct corporate loans face growing redemption requests. Some of the largest firms in the sector, including those managing billions of dollars in assets, have introduced limits on withdrawals to prevent sudden liquidity

LaGuardia Crash Raises Staffing Concerns

Sarah Olivella March 25, 2026

LaGuardia Plane Crash Investigation Highlights Air Traffic Control Staffing Concerns and System Failures After Fatal Runway Collision The investigation into the fatal runway collision at LaGuardia Airport is increasingly focused on systemic challenges within air traffic control operations, particularly staffing procedures and workload distribution during overnight shifts. The crash, which

FISA 702 Debate Targets Data Privacy Loophole

Sarah Olivella March 25, 2026

FISA Section 702 Reauthorization Sparks Debate Over Data Broker Loophole as Lawmakers Weigh Limits on Warrantless Surveillance A growing political and legal debate in Washington is intensifying ahead of the upcoming reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a key surveillance authority set to expire in