The discovery provides a useful new window into the lab animals' emotional welfare.

Finally: Scientists discover which rats like to be tickled

Rat's Nest

Scientists discovered that rats let out a high-pitch squeak when they're happy, giving a rare, measurable window into animal well-being.

Finally: Scientists Discover Which Rats Like to Be Tickled

Good job, science.

A powerful tsunami could reshape the coastline where multiple nuclear power plants are situated.

Scientists warn that Indian, Pakistani nuclear plants could get wrecked by tsunamis

Splash Zone

Research reveals that the west coast of India and Pakistan — where both countries operate nuclear power plants — are particularly vulnerable to tsunamis.

Scientists Warn That Indian, Pakistani Nuclear Plants Could Get Wrecked by Tsunamis

"Siting nuclear reactors in areas prone to natural disasters is not very wise."

"And that of course has the worse impacts on the poorest and least responsible."

The richest one percent emits twice as much carbon as half the world

Thumb On The Scales

The wealthiest one percent in the world emits twice the carbon as does the poorer half of the Earth's population, revealing stark global inequalities.

The Richest One Percent Emits Twice as Much Carbon as Half the World

And it's the poorest parts of the world that will face the worst effects of climate change.

Rising temperatures and worsening air are blurring our view of space.

Astronomers complain that climate change is making telescopes worse

Cloudy Skies

Climate change is interfering with sensitive observatories and telescopes, making it harder for astronomers to study the cosmos.

Astronomers Complain That Climate Change Is Making Telescopes Worse

Even the most advanced telescopes were designed for a cooler planet.

Astronomers discover "pi Earth" planet that orbits every 3.14 days

3.14159265359

A team of scientists at MIT have discovered a "pi Earth," an Earth-sized planet that orbits its star every 3.14 Earth days.

Astronomers Discover “Pi Earth” Planet That Orbits Every 3.14 Days

And its orbit is a circle!!

The idea is to make space livable for everyday folks rather than only specially-trained astronauts.

A new space habitat design simulates gravity by spinning

That's No Moon

Engineers designed a new orbital space habitat that tries to accomodate everyday people rather than just specially-trained astronauts.

A New Space Habitat Design Simulates Gravity by Spinning

It could house 8,000 people — in space.

"I strongly believe that the use of hydrogen — both in synthetic fuels and as a primary power source for commercial aircraft — has the potential to significantly reduce aviation's climate impact."

Airbus unveils three designs for hydrogen-powered planes

Gas Power

European aerospace corporation Airbus has come up with three "ZEROe" airplane designs that rely on hydrogen power — not polluting aviation-grade kerosene.

Airbus Unveils Three Designs for Hydrogen-Powered Planes

Is this the future of zero-emission air travel?

In theory, life on Venus could even be our (extremely) distant cousins.

Scientists speculate how life on Venus could have began

Origin Story

A pair of scientists has some guesses for how any theoretical life hiding away under the acid clouds of Venus might have originated.

Scientists Speculate About How Life on Venus Could Have Began

Venus is a hellscape — but it might not have always been.

He will be "cheering from the sidelines."

Founder of Tesla competitor Nikola steps down amid fraud scandal

Really Not a Good Look

Nikola founder and executive chairman Trevor Milton is officially stepping down from the company's board of directors following fraud allegations.

Founder of Tesla Competitor Nikola Steps Down Amid Fraud Scandal

"I intend to defend myself against false allegations leveled against me by outside detractors."

Raw Video - Lucid Air Tri-Motor Sets New EV Record at Laguna Seca - Testing on 9/17

Tesla competitor Lucid Beats Model S Prototype Record on Racetrack

Who's Faster?

According to raw video footage uploaded to YouTube on Thursday, Lucid completed a lap of Laguna Seca in a blistering 1:33 using a tri-motor Air prototype.

Tesla Competitor Lucid Beats Model S Prototype Record on Racetrack

Step aside, Tesla and Porsche.

The mission will attempt to explore the area around Mons Rümker, a volcanic formation on the western edge of the near side of the Moon.

China planning to launch lunar sample return mission in November

Grabbing Some Moon Rocks

According to satellite imagery and ship tracking data, China is preparing to launch its Chang'e-5 sample return mission to the Moon.

China Planning to Launch Lunar Sample Return Mission in November

The mission will attempt to return around two kilograms of lunar samples.

"For all practical purposes it will be shut down in the U.S., but only in the U.S., as of midnight Monday."

Trump admin to shut down TikTok app downloads on Sunday

Squashing Free Speech

The Trump Administration is taking the unprecedented step of barring Chinese-owned mobile apps WeChat and TikTok from US app stores starting Sunday.