The Biggest Science News of 2020

Lots of Water on the Moon

NASA has Moon news. Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Gizmodo

Back in October, NASA teased us with a mysterious press release: It would soon make an “exciting announcement” regarding the Moon. You all had some great guesses as to what the news would be, and yes, we were all a bit bummed that it turned out not to be aliens. Nonetheless, the real news—that researchers had discovered signs of water ice all across the lunar surface—was pretty thrilling, too.

Previous Next

Your Body Heat Could Power the Next Generation of Wearables

Thermoelectric generators probably won’t eliminate the charger for your Apple Watch, but for smaller, screenless wearables, the heat constantly escaping from your skin could fundamentally change how we power our devices.

Gadgets John Loeffler Sep 25

Two researchers in scuba gear setting up an underwater umbrella over coral

Scientists Invent Underwater Umbrellas to Protect Coral Reefs—and It Appears to Be Working

The world's coral reefs are in crisis, but a crafty solution could help.

Conservation Ellyn Lapointe Oct 2

Traffic Jam At Times Square, New York, Usa

Trump’s Transportation Dept. Rolls Back Fuel Efficiency Standards Despite Surging Gas Prices

Because fuel inefficiency and smog are Americans' most popular issues right now.

Tech News Tom McKay Sep 28

This Super El Niño Could Cause 3,500 Extra Deaths in the US, Report Warns

A new report describes this year's El Niño as a "postcard from the future," delivering unusually warm temperatures that will become normal in just a few decades.

Earth Science Passant Rabie Sep 23

A man with his back turned to the viewer looks out at a Nepal village destroyed by a flood

Humanity Could Irreversibly Alter Earth After Breaching 7 of 9 Safe Limits, Scientists Warn

A planetary "health check" shows that many of Earth's critical systems have entered dangerous territory.

Earth Science Ellyn Lapointe Sep 22

Geologists Are Hunting for Camouflaged ‘Rock Glaciers’ Vital to Global Freshwater Supplies

A new study of found hidden glaciers equivalent to “roughly 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools,” and its secrets may help fight future droughts.

Earth Science Matthew Phelan Sep 21