Feature Stories
Updates every hour. Last Updated: 9-Jan-2026 18:11 ET (9-Jan-2026 23:11 GMT/UTC)
9-Jan-2026
Pandora, a keen-eyed satellite built to study exoplanets, readies for launch
University of Arizona
After clearing its last hurdle on its way to space, the Pandora satellite mission is awaiting to be launched into orbit, where it will study at least 20 exoplanets and their host stars over long periods of time. The data will establish a firm foundation for interpreting measurements by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and future missions aimed at searching for habitable worlds.
- Funder
- NASA Headquarters
9-Jan-2026
What does cannabis 'rescheduling' mean for science and society?
Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan
Cannabis (marijuana) may get rescheduled on the federal level, which could open the door for much more research than was possible before. Four U-M experts comment.
8-Jan-2026
Inside one of the world’s largest controlled explosions: The Detonation Research Test Facility
Texas A&M University
From industrial safety and Mach-speed propulsions to the birth of diamonds and the death of stars, Texas A&M’s colossal detonation facility turns raw explosions into breakthrough discoveries.
8-Jan-2026
Review article|Harnessing generative AI for enhanced disaster management: A systematic review
Big Earth DataAs AI and large language models (LLMs) advance, organizations increasingly apply them in disaster management to enhance decision support, business continuity, and early warning. This study uses a PRISMA-based systematic review to summarize trends and benefits of AI and LLM in disaster operations, incorporates a TOWS-based SWOT analysis to identify strategic directions, and highlights ethics and transparency as key challenges for full implementation.
- Journal
- Big Earth Data
8-Jan-2026
Global sustainability ‘reset’ needed say academics
AberystwythScientists are calling for a ‘systems reset’ in how sustainable development is understood and pursued.
- Journal
- Nature
8-Jan-2026
How light reflects on leaves may help researchers identify dying forests
University of Notre Dame
A new study from researchers at the University of Notre Dame, published in Nature: Communications Earth & Environment, uncovers a more comprehensive picture of forest health. Funded by NASA, the research shows that spectral reflectance—a measurement obtained from satellite images—corresponds with the expression of specific genes.
- Journal
- Communications Earth & Environment
- Funder
- NASA Headquarters
7-Jan-2026
Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards 2025 college football Coach of the Year finalists named
American Heart Association
Eight active college football coaches make up the American Heart Association’s 2025 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award finalist list.
7-Jan-2026
The Natural Capital Project is now the Natural Capital Alliance
Stanford University
NatCap celebrates 20 years of valuing nature in decisions with a new name and tiered membership structure.
7-Jan-2026
Reimagining sand: A new tool against drought
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M researchers are transforming ordinary sand into a water-saving material to improve crop resilience in dry conditions.
- Journal
- ACS Omega