The White House is making big changes to how science is handled in the US. They are pushing for what they call "gold standard science. " This sounds good, right? Not everyone thinks so. Many scientists are worried. Why? Because the plan puts political leaders in charge of checking scientific work. This is a big deal. These leaders can even change scientific i...
The Trump White House recently shared its budget plan for NASA in 2026. This plan suggests a significant reduction in NASA's overall budget, with a massive cut to its science programs. The proposed budget would slash NASA's funding by about 20 percent, which amounts to a $5 billion reduction from its current $25 billion budget. This cut is particularly harsh on the S...
The future of NASA's Earth science missions is hanging in the balance. Some missions are already being asked to plan for their own end. This worrying news came from Rep. George Whitesides, who shared that both new and ongoing Earth science missions have been told to get ready for potential budget cuts starting in 2026. He stressed that this is not a final decision, b...
Did you know that the plan to plant an American flag on Mars might lead to a brighter future for us all? President Trump hinted at this when he talked about sending astronauts to the red planet within the next decade. But before that can happen, NASA needs to solve some big problems, like how to keep astronauts fed, hydrated, and safe in space. This means our governm...
Curiosity-driven research is the wellspring of scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements. Over time, different ways of funding this type of research have emerged, shaping how money is allocated today. However, many scientists are unhappy with the current funding systems. They point out problems like too much focus on mission-oriented research, unequal f...
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been tasked with cutting waste in government, including scientific research. Some studies, like those involving shrimp on treadmills or bobcat pee on rats, may seem pointless. But these experiments play a vital role in understanding the world around us. Science thrives on repetition and seemingly silly tasks. By replicating tests an...