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Earth

Hot on the trail of Antarctic meteorites

For intrepid scientists, spotting meteorites against Antarctica’s dazzling whiteness is easy. Then what?

Health & Medicine

Long-lasting flu vaccine could replace yearly shots

Researchers have developed a single vaccine that protects mice from many types of flu. Such a development could lead to where people only day might no longer need a yearly flu shot.

Health & Medicine

Analyze This: Flu vaccine’s protection varies

Getting a flu shot every year is an important way to protect yourself and those around you — even if the vaccine isn’t 100 percent effective.

Climate

Wacky winter dumps snow on every single U.S. state

Here’s a look at the meteorology behind the unusual winter weather that hit the United States in late 2017 and early 2018.

Space

Weird star explodes over and over, cheating death

There’s a weird supernova out there. This dying diva may have had multiple explosions, and it’s lately been glowing for more than three years.

Health & Medicine

Scientists Say: Microbiome

You’ve got company. Every animal and plant has microscopic organisms living on and in them. These include bacteria, protists, archaea, fungi and viruses.

Climate

Giant volcanoes lurk beneath Antarctic ice

One of the largest volcanic areas on Earth was recently discovered hiding beneath West Antarctic’s ice sheet. What does it spell for the future of that ice?

Climate

Here’s why scientists have been fertilizing the Arctic

For more than 30 years, scientists have been fertilizing small parcels of Arctic tundra. Here’s what happens when you push an ecosystem to the brink.

Agriculture

Explainer: The fertilizing power of N and P

Two elements — nitrogen and phosphorus — help plants grow. When the soil doesn’t have them, farmers might add them in the form of fertilizer.

Health & Medicine

New treatment could calm temperature-sensitive teeth

Dentists aren’t happy with today’s treatments for sensitive teeth. Sand-like nanoparticles carrying green tea extract could bring longer pain relief.

Brain

Ow! These cells might help brains remember pain and fear

The brain may learn from traumatic experiences with the help of special cells, a new study finds. Scientists used to think these cells, called astrocytes, were just there to support others.

Climate

Revisit 2017’s most important stories

The year was full of major scientific events and discoveries, from the finding of a new continent to a solar eclipse witnessed by millions.