Science| In-depth reporting on science and technology

Graphic of a human heart in the upper torso.

BioNTech and Moderna: Heart inflammation after mRNA vaccinations

The US Centers for Disease Control has confirmed that myocarditis and pericarditis can occur after mRNA vaccination among young people. But the cases are rare. Medical experts continue to advise vaccination.

ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti sends a special message to Earth from the International Space Station

More women, people with disabilities want to be European astronauts

The European Space Agency is recruiting new astronauts for the first time in 11 years. There's been a rise in female candidates and 257 applications from people with disabilities.

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Afghanistan struggles amid surge

Cases are surging in Kabul. Here's a look at what happens when COVID-19 attacks a country at war.

Afghanistan struggles amid surge

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Preventing a third wave in India

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Will tourism ever recover?

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The post-pandemic future

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Almost like snowflakes, the stars of the globular cluster NGC 6441 sparkle peacefully in the night sky

Space Telescope

Glitch takes Hubble offline: A look back at its best images

For 30 years, the Hubble Space Telescope has been providing us with breathtaking images from distant corners of the universe. Now it's suffered a computer glitch. Here's a look back at some of its finest pictures.

A patient receiving pills against tuberculosis

Fight against tuberculosis

Prioritizing COVID sets back years of progress

About 1.4 million fewer people received care for tuberculosis in 2020 than in 2019, the WHO estimates. The disease kills 1.5 million people every year, even though it is curable and there is a vaccine for children.

Two people looking out over Greenland's icy landscape from a hill

Large amounts of mercury discovered in Greenland's glaciers

Scientists were alarmed at the amount of dissolved mercury they found in rivers and fjords. The heavy metal raises concerns for the health of indigenous communities. And with global warming, the problem may get worse.

An image of a coronavirus bearing the words Delta B.1617.2

Fact check: What do we know about the coronavirus delta variant?

The delta variant is now present in more than 80 countries. More transmissible than the alpha variant, it is sparking concerns of further loss of lives and lockdowns.

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The stress of heat waves on the human body

Climate change is giving rise to more heat waves, potentially affecting our health. The constant heat puts a huge strain on the cardio-vascular system. What effects do rising temperatures have on our bodies, and how can doctors and clinics respond?

Can Britain fight spread of delta COVID-19 variant?

As Britain eases coronavirus restrictions, the spread of the more contagious delta variant, first detected in India, is causing concern. Cases of the variant have more than doubled within a week in the UK. The northwestern town of Bolton is the hardest hit.

Is China headed for space domination?

China is well on its way to successful space exploration, having "mastered all the disciplines that are necessary" — but the European Space Agency's Thomas Reiter does not see the country on the way to dominance.

A MOSAiC expedition engineer uninstalls climate measuring sensors before returning them for analysis

Polarstern team warns Arctic may be past tipping point

A research team that set sail for the Arctic has warned that the tipping point for irreversible global warming may have already been triggered.

What foods help prevent a severe course of COVID?

Throughout the pandemic, a lot of nutrition advice has been handed out. But is there any single food that can help prevent a serious COVID-19 infection?

People walking on a crowded street in Paris

COVID: Why experts say herd immunity is still out of reach

Herd immunity is often presented as a simple mathematical calculation, but achieving it is far from easy. Understanding how widespread immunity works is, however, key to returning to normal.

Doses of the BioNTech-Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines

COVID: Are mix-and-match vaccines the way forward?

A new German study reports that a combination of the AstraZeneca and BioNTech vaccines triggers a remarkably stronger immune response than sticking with one kind of shot.

Woman wearing a face mask looking unhappy

COVID scientists fight to avoid burnout

Health care workers and scientists are working overtime to curb the spread of COVID. But are their efforts costing them their own mental health?

Organ donations: How to make up the shortfall

In 2020, 9,400 people in Germany needed organ transplants. Fewer than half of them got one. Researchers are optimistic that artificial organs will be a fix.