Technology
A Flawed, Strange Covid-19 Origin Theory Is Gaining Traction
A spate of studies claim that the disease was circulating in Italy long before the pandemic—but they struggle to support the theory.
Sweeping Mandates, New Vaccines Underway, and More News
Catch up on the most important updates from this week.
The Dark Asteroid Ryugu Finally Comes Into the Light
Using cameras aboard the Hayabusa2 spacecraft, Japanese scientists get a rare, close-up glimpse of a space rock’s structure.
As Covid Cases Rise, So Do Hospital-Related Infections
A decade of work helped limit the spread of dangerous pathogens in medical settings. Overcrowding from Covid care is allowing infections...
I’m Vaccinated. When Do I Need to Wear a Mask?
Mask guidance continues to change. Here’s what you need to know, depending on who you are, to protect yourself—and, most importantly,...
Dolphins Eavesdrop on Each Other to Avoid Awkward Run-Ins
The new finding underscores the complexity of marine mammals’ social life and cognition. It may also help save the snoopy cetaceans.
Better Data on Ivermectin Is Finally on Its Way
Studies have been small and often not great. The best info so far says don’t use it, get vaccinated, and hang in there for the more...
Pigeons, Curves, and the Traveling Salesperson Problem
Mathematician Ian Stewart explains the twisty history of combinatorial optimization.
3D Printing Helps Ultracold Quantum Experiments Go Small
Cutting-edge devices used for quantum experiments have been bulky, finicky, and confined to academic labs—so far.
What Medical Researchers Can Learn From the 'Yellow Berets'
A new study shows how the Vietnam War–era initiative shaped a generation of star physician-researchers—and offers lessons that can...
