Innovation and Invention

Despite outbreak, Ebola treatment and vaccine represent ‘resounding scientific success’

By Monica Villamizar

Recently, the FDA formally approved the first vaccine to prevent the Ebola virus. The advance comes at a crucial time, as Democratic Republic of Congo is suffering an outbreak that has lasted over a year and a half and sickened…

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3 major moments from the ‘golden’ decade of black holes

By Isabella Isaacs-Thomas

Astrophysicists say we’re living in “a golden age of black holes.” To help illustrate why, here are three decade-defining advancements in the ongoing effort to unravel these cosmic wonders.

This drone will fly on one of Saturn’s moons. Here’s the woman leading the mission

By Jamie Leventhal

Planetary scientist Elizabeth "Zibi" Turtle breaks down NASA's upcoming mission to Saturn's moon, Titan, to learn about how early life may develop.

Why these companies are rethinking the use of AI in hiring

By Zoe Rohrich

A growing body of research indicates that artificial intelligence systems used for job recruitment reinforce racial and gender inequality. Now, innovators are developing software that promises more accountability, and combats — rather than perpetuates — employment discrimination.

UN says 2020 is ‘last best chance’ for addressing climate change

By Jamey Keaten, Frank Jordans, Associated Press

Countries need to begin making steep cuts to their greenhouse gas emissions immediately, or risk missing agreed targets for limiting global warming, the United Nations has said.

First CRISPR treatment for sickle cell, other blood disease shows early benefits in two patients

By Sharon Begley, Adam Feuerstein, STAT

The first two patients to receive a CRISPR-based treatment for the inherited blood disorders sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia have benefited from the experimental therapy and experienced only temporary and treatable side effects.

This new ‘battery’ aims to spark a carbon capture revolution

By Nsikan Akpan

Inventors claim their carbon capture “battery” could return CO2 to preindustrial levels within 40 years, but first it has some economic hurdles to overcome.

Emperor Penguins could march to extinction if nations fail to halt climate change

By Stephanie Jenouvrier, The Conversation

Emperor Penguins could virtually disappear by the year 2100 due to loss of Antarctic sea ice. But a new study shows a more aggressive global climate policy can halt the penguins’ march to extinction.