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Ferns bounced back much faster than other plants after the meteor impact that wiped out the dinosaurs.
Why Did Ferns Persist When All Other Plants Perished?
A strange layer in the fossil record contains evidence that fern populations exploded following the mass extinction that ended the Cretaceous period. Scientists want to know why.
Why Did Ferns Persist When All Other Plants Perished?
Why Did Ferns Persist When All Other Plants Perished?

A strange layer in the fossil record contains evidence that fern populations exploded following the mass extinction that ended the Cretaceous period. Scientists want to know why.

A strange layer in the fossil record contains evidence that fern populations exploded following the mass extinction that ended the Cretaceous period. Scientists want to know why.

NASA
Two signs on the ground, one reads "Don't silence science" and the other says "There is no Planet B"
White House Assembles Task Force to Sever Politics from Science
Lisa Winter | May 10, 2021 | 2 min read
The 46-person panel will identify instances when politics got in the way of science since 2009.
Ibrahim Cissé’s Tools Provide a Lens to Watch RNA Production
Jef Akst | Sep 1, 2020 | 3 min read
The MIT physicist has demonstrated the importance of clusters of RNA polymerase and other transcription mediators in regulating RNA production.
Time Traveling Mini-Brains on a Mission to Conquer Space
Time Traveling Mini-Brains on a Mission to Conquer Space
Iris Kulbatski, PhD | 4 min read
Alysson R. Muotri discusses his launch of brain organoids into outer space and how microgravity enriches our understanding of brain development and disease.
Space-Grown Lettuce Is Safe and Astronaut-Approved
Amy Schleunes | Mar 9, 2020 | 2 min read
NASA’s vegetable production system, known as Veggie, may help pave the way for more sophisticated systems that could supplement astronauts’ diets during long trips to space.
Image of the Day: Algal Blooms
Emily Makowski | Oct 23, 2019 | 2 min read
The majority of lakes studied experienced increased bloom intensity over the past few decades.
Trump Releases 2020 Budget Proposal
Jef Akst | Mar 12, 2019 | 2 min read
The draft budget includes deep cuts for science funding, hacking more than $5.5 billion from the NIH’s allotment, but historically Congress has not accepted the White House’s proposals.
an astronaut gives two thumbs up next to a NASA sign
Science Agencies to Get Boost Under New US Budget
Shawna Williams | Feb 15, 2019 | 2 min read
The bill for fiscal year 2019 increases allocations for NSF, FDA, and others above 2018 levels.
a kangaroo hops in front of a setting sun
2018 Was the Fourth-Hottest Year on Record
Shawna Williams | Feb 6, 2019 | 1 min read
The past five years have been the warmest-ever, NASA and NOAA announce.
Government Shutdown Hits Funding, Resources, and Morale in Science  
Carolyn Wilke | Jan 11, 2019 | 2 min read
From missing paychecks to delayed grants to canceled travel, federal research is feeling the sting.
Definitive Evidence for Water Ice on the Moon: Study
Ashley Yeager | Aug 21, 2018 | 2 min read
Data from the Indian Space Research Organization’s Chandrayaan 1 spacecraft show frost on the lunar north and south poles.
Bacterial Genetics Could Help Researchers Block Interplanetary Contamination
Ashley Yeager | Aug 1, 2018 | 4 min read
Identifying microbes from Earth that can survive on spacecraft may help scientists eliminate them from future space missions and from searches for extraterrestrial life.
Senate, House Propose Funding Boosts for US Science Agencies
Sukanya Charuchandra | Jun 17, 2018 | 1 min read
NASA, NSF, and NIH are expected to receive higher financial backing for the 2019 fiscal year, going above and beyond the President’s proposed budget.  
US State Department Names New Science Envoys
Shawna Williams | Jun 13, 2018 | 1 min read
The five high-profile scientists are charged with helping strengthen international cooperation.
Jim Bridenstine Confirmed to Lead NASA
Kerry Grens | Apr 19, 2018 | 1 min read
The US Senate narrowly approved the politician, who does not have a science background.
Proposed US Spending Bill Boosts Science Funding
Shawna Williams | Mar 22, 2018 | 2 min read
NIH, NSF, and the DOE’s Office of Science will be among the agencies with budget increases if the omnibus bill is passed.
Proposed Federal Budget Slashes Funds to EPA, CDC
Diana Kwon | Feb 12, 2018 | 2 min read
Funds for the NIH and NSF would stay flat, while some agencies, including the FDA and NASA, would see increases.
Trump Announces NASA Head and NOAA Assistant Secretary
Jef Akst | Sep 4, 2017 | 1 min read
The president’s picks for the two science-related positions must be confirmed by the Senate. 
Kate Rubins Was the First to Sequence DNA in Space
Aggie Mika | Sep 1, 2017 | 3 min read
The virologist turned NASA astronaut pioneered DNA sequencing in space and conducted experiments in microgravity.
House Proposes NSF and NOAA Cuts, NASA Gains
Aggie Mika | Jun 30, 2017 | 3 min read
The most recent bill from appropriators increases NASA funds from current levels and rescues the National Science Foundation from President Trump's deeper cuts.
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