Science

Most of the Deep Seafloor Remains Unexplored

SMGN May 7, 2025

The vast majority of the planet’s deep seafloor remains unexplored, according to a new study. Less than 0.001% of this expansive area has been directly observed by humans, an area roughly the size of Rhode Island. While tools like sonar can map the seafloor’s shape, deploying cameras beyond 200 meters,

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

SMGN 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 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 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 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 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 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

Budget cuts impact NOAA’s hurricane forecasting and climate research programs

SMGN 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 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 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

Supreme Court Ruling Eases Disability Lawsuits Against Schools

SMGN June 12, 2025

The United States Supreme Court unanimously ruled that students with disabilities will face fewer legal obstacles when suing schools to enforce their educational rights. This decision lowers the legal threshold for pursuing claims under certain federal disability laws. Case centers on student with rare epilepsyThe decision stems from the case

How to Prepare Your Home for Flooding During Hurricane Season

SMGN June 12, 2025

The Atlantic hurricane season is already raising concerns among residents in vulnerable areas, particularly those still recovering from last year’s devastating storms. Flooding caused by storm surge and extreme rainfall continues to pose a growing risk to both coastal and inland communities. Rising Flood RisksThe frequency and severity of weather

Air India Crash Raises New Concerns for Boeing Amid Ongoing Turbulence

SMGN June 12, 2025

Another Blow to Boeing’s Safety Reputation Boeing’s milestone of carrying its billionth passenger on the 787 Dreamliner last month was a moment of celebration for the aircraft manufacturer. However, that achievement has been overshadowed by the recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad involving the same model, casting a shadow over