Latest Science News
NASA Launches Artemis II: First Crewed Moon Mission in Over 50 Years
NASA successfully launched the Artemis II mission on April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center, sending four astronauts—including Canada's Jeremy Hansen—aboard the Orion spacecraft for a 10-day lunar flyby. This marks the first crewed deep space mission since Apollo 17, testing systems for future Moon landings and Mars exploration.
The crew will perform translunar injection on April 2 to orbit the Moon using its gravity for return.
Artemis II Astronauts Reach Orbit After Historic Liftoff
Four astronauts, including NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA’s Jeremy Hansen, are now in orbit following the SLS rocket launch. The mission, a key step in NASA's Artemis program, aims to validate Orion for long-duration flights beyond low Earth orbit.
Excitement builds at the Canadian Space Agency for Hansen's role in this lunar journey.
Réunion Island Lava Flows Reach Indian Ocean
The ongoing Piton de la Fournaise eruption since February 2026 has produced lava flows reaching the sea, creating a new 190-meter lava delta by March 24. Thermal images from Landsat 9 on March 28 show lava at 1,100-1,130°C heating ocean water to over 36°C up to 600 meters offshore.
This is the first ocean reach in 19 years, producing laze plumes of steam and gases.
IARC and WHO Champion Science for World Health Day 2026
On World Health Day 2026, IARC and WHO promote the 'Together for health. Stand with science' theme, emphasizing One Health integrating human, animal, plant, and planetary health. Events like the One Health Summit and Global Forum occur in Lyon, France, hosted partly by IARC.
The campaign urges global collaboration to turn scientific evidence into health protections.
Tear Gas and Pepper Spray Linked to Lasting Health Effects
Science News highlights research showing tear gas and pepper spray can cause prolonged health impacts beyond immediate irritation. Studies detail respiratory, ocular, and systemic effects persisting days or weeks post-exposure.
This underscores risks in crowd control and protest scenarios.
Wild Monkeys Invade Florida: Protection Dilemma
Invasive wild monkeys in Florida prompt debate on whether to protect or control their growing population. Ecological concerns clash with potential biodiversity benefits, as reported in Science News.
Experts weigh management strategies amid expanding habitats.
Pig Organs Poised as Future for Human Transplants
A new book explores xenotransplantation, using genetically modified pig organs to address U.S. organ shortages killing thousands yearly. Advances in compatibility reduce rejection risks, offering hope for transplant waiting lists.
Clinical trials show promising early results.
Net-Casting Spiders' Silk Webs Tuned for Prey Capture
Rufous net-casting spiders adjust web stiffness and elasticity via intricate silk loops, per scanning electron microscope images. This adaptation enhances prey ensnarement in low-light environments.
The discovery reveals novel arachnid engineering.
Moonshots Reflect Societal Divisions and Unity
Science News discusses how space exploration like Artemis unites people while mirroring divides, from funding debates to global participation. Historical moon missions parallel current societal tensions.
Artemis II exemplifies ongoing 'moonshot' ambitions.
Artemis II Prepares for Lunar Orbit with Key Tests
Post-launch, Artemis II crew will test communications and systems during the 10-day mission around the Moon. NASA's Jared Isaacman hailed it as a defining moment building on Apollo visions.
Success paves way for lunar surface missions.
Piton de la Fournaise Eruption Disrupts Réunion Infrastructure
Lava from Piton de la Fournaise crossed Route Nationale 2 on March 13, spilling into the ocean by March 16. The shield volcano's activity extends the active coastline via new deltas.
Ground observations confirm extreme heat near entry points.
WHO's One Health Approach Gains Momentum in 2026
IARC supports WHO's year-long campaign spotlighting science for health across species and ecosystems. Upcoming webinars and forums promote evidence-based global action.
Focus on rebuilding trust through multilateral science.