SCIENCE

May 13 2026SCIENCE

Better food proteins from millet using enzyme power

Scientists looked at how an enzyme called alcalase can chop up millet proteins and turn them into smaller pieces. The goal was to see if this makes the proteins more useful in foods. After treating the millet proteins for different times, the enzyme produced pieces as small as 14 kilodaltons. Scann

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May 13 2026SCIENCE

Why don’t we have proof of aliens yet?

Most people picture aliens as little green humanoids with big eyes, but that’s not exactly helpful. Neil deGrasse Tyson, a well-known scientist, has a different idea. He thinks we’re way too stuck on Hollywood versions of extraterrestrials. In reality, life out there could look nothing like us—or ev

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May 13 2026SCIENCE

Who really found the leprosy bacteria? A closer look at old claims

Back in the 1800s, two scientists named Hansen and Neisser both studied leprosy. Hansen published findings first, naming the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae. Neisser followed a year later, but never said Hansen was wrong or ignored his work. Yet over time, a story grew that Neisser tried to take credi

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May 12 2026SCIENCE

The Moon through new lenses: what Artemis astronauts discovered beyond the backyard view

Most people see the Moon as a gray rock hanging in the sky. But four astronauts just spent ten days looking at it from a hundred miles away—and returned with stories that surprised even the scientists who trained them. Instead of seeing a flat, colorless surface, the crew noticed subtle browns, gree

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May 12 2026POLITICS

Science Advice in Danger: Why Losing the National Science Board Matters

Over two thousand researchers signed a letter last week warning that getting rid of the National Science Board weakens America’s position against countries like China. The board, created in 1950, used to guide how taxpayer money supports science and engineering research. Its twenty-plus members, app

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May 12 2026EDUCATION

Exploring Detroit in a Giant Cardboard Maze

The Michigan Science Center is turning a fourth-floor gallery into something unusual—a life-sized cardboard maze inspired by Detroit’s neighborhoods and landmarks. Opening in early May, the exhibit isn’t just a fun challenge; it’s a creative way to blend art, engineering, and local pride. Built enti

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Grants frozen again: How federal cuts hit Indigenous research at UC Berkeley

Last month, federal officials hit pause on at least 18 research grants at UC Berkeley, despite a judge just months ago telling them to stop canceling grants. One of those frozen was a $1. 4-million project at the Lawrence Hall of Science that trains Ohlone youth to build mixed-reality exhibits about

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May 11 2026HEALTH

New Hope for Depression: How Two Brain Treatments Work Together

Scientists recently tested a fresh approach to fighting depression in mice by pairing a natural compound with brain stimulation. They wanted to see if two different methods could work better together than alone. First, they stressed out mice to mimic human depression. Then, they split the animals in

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May 10 2026SCIENCE

Plainfield North Shines in State Science Olympiad

The University of Illinois hosted the state‑level Science Olympiad, where 54 schools vied for top honors. Plainfield North High School, after placing fourth in its regional meet, qualified to compete among the best teams in the state. At the tournament on April 18, students from Plainfield North

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May 10 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Chicago’s Science Spotlight: A Top Museum Gets Global Praise

One of Chicago’s standout spots now joins an elite club of museums worldwide. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry just made the cut for Travel + Leisure’s list of the 27 best museums for art, history, and culture. With its massive size and focus on interactive learning, the museum stands out

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