NASA's flying SOFIA observatory is in New Zealand for the last time

After eight years of science work, jet-turned-telescope SOFIA is preparing to take its final flight. But before its end of service on Sept. 30, the flying observatory is taking one last trip abroad. Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint project between NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and consists of a modified Boeing 747 aircraft with a special door built into its side that opens mid-flight to reveal observational instruments.

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Rise of the dinosaurs traced back to their adaptation to cold

Covering of feathers left them able to cope when other creatures died off in mass extinction event, scientists say

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A new method makes it possible to grow food in the dark

Sunshine is essential for plants as it is through photosynthesis that they grow and thrive by converting carbon dioxide, water and energy from the sun into plant biomass. Or is it really essential? Not necessarily, say scientists in the United States, who have devised a way to grow food in the dark without sunlight by using artificial photosynthesis.

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New Study Reveals Devastating Effect on Astronaut Bones From Living in Space

Astronauts lose decades' worth of bone mass in space that many do not recover even after a year back on Earth, researchers said Thursday, warning that it could be a "big concern" for future missions to Mars.

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Endangered red wolf populations could be revived with 'ghost' genes from coyotes, scientists say

Scientists are hopeful that the endangered red wolf population could be revived now that a significant portion of its DNA has been found in wild coyote populations.

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Many drugs can't withstand stomach acid – a new delivery method could lead to more convenient medications

While pills are more practical than injections or infusions, digestion in the stomach prevents many drugs from being taken orally. Better drug design could change this.

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NASA's DART asteroid mission might completely deform small moonlet

A new simulation of NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission suggests that rather than leaving a crater behind, the DART impactor could severely deform the small asteroid it will collide with.

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