December retail sales stayed flat month‑to‑month, a sharp fall from the expected rise after November’s rebound. The drop marks the slowest year‑over‑year growth since September 2024. Motor vehicle and clothing purchases fell the most, while spending on building materials and food & beverage grew
Scientists are looking for ways to store energy quickly and safely. One idea is to use tiny hydrogen ions, called protons, as the moving charge in batteries. Protons can move fast through solid materials, which could let a battery charge and discharge almost instantly. The big problem is that not m
A team of doctors in Utah is performing a tiny, camera‑guided operation inside the womb to fix spina bifida. The technique is less invasive than older methods and can keep mothers from needing a big cut or an early delivery. The first Utah family to try the new procedure is the Ibarra Garcias. Thei
In a recent court decision, Dotdash Meredith Inc. – the company behind popular magazines like People and Entertainment Weekly – won a case that challenged its sharing of video‑viewing data with Meta Platforms Inc. The lawsuit, filed in Massachusetts, claimed that Dotdash Meredith violated the Video
The Super Bowl is a huge event that many people call a kind of religion. More than 120 million viewers watch it, and the fans bring bright face paint, shiny bracelets, colorful wigs, and giant jerseys. They act like they are part of a ritual that keeps their team alive. Some fans even bring s
Fungi can change their shape on the fly. When the outside world shifts, they switch between cell forms to survive or infect. Scientists know a lot about the genes that trigger these changes, but they have not looked closely at what fuels them. A new study shows that the sugar‑processing rou
Plants and the microbes that help them survive harsh weather can be made stronger by boosting a natural compound called glycine betaine. This molecule helps cells keep the right balance of water and protects them from heat, salt or drought. Traditionally, betaine comes from plants grown in specific
Elina Svitolina is making waves at the 2026 Australian Open, showcasing her incredible skills and determination. After defeating Mirra Andreeva and Coco Gauff, she is now just one step away from the top 10 rankings. Her journey to success is inspiring, and her story goes beyond tennis. Born in Odes
Inside the body, there are tiny factories called germinal centers. Their job is to make top-notch antibodies. These antibodies help fight off germs. Recently, scientists found a special group of cells called pre-plasma cells in mice. These cells are like apprentices learning to become full-fledged p
Invisibility has always been a fascinating idea, from ancient myths to modern sci-fi. But is it possible in real life? Scientists are working on it, using clever tricks with waves. They've found that by manipulating light, sound, or even earthquake waves, they can make things seem to vanish. This i
