Things you may have missed in 2021: Scientific, medical advances and more
Here’s a look at some of the non-COVID-19 scientific discoveries, health advances and other notable events that happened in 2021.
Quadrantid meteor shower: When to watch one of the biggest space spectacles
According to EarthSky.org, the Quadrantid meteor shower is occurring now until Jan. 16.
Edward O. Wilson, pioneering Harvard biologist, dies at 92
Edward O. Wilson, a Harvard biologist who argued for a new vision of human nature in “Sociobiology,” has died at 92.
Velociraptor's ancient relative: Fossils from 125M years ago discovered in UK
Fossils of the velociraptor’s ancient relative from more than 100 million years ago were unearthed in the U.K. and detailed in a new study.
‘Baby Yingliang’: Preserved fossilized dinosaur egg discovered in China
“Baby Yingliang” is a well-preserved fossilized dinosaur egg that has given scientists another link between prehistoric creatures and modern birds.
Xenobots, world’s first living robots, can reproduce, scientists say
Scientists said xenobots are able to self-replicate and while they currently serve no purpose to the human race it could be the pathway in treating cancer and health issues.
Geminid meteor shower: Shooting stars light up night sky during peak
The Geminid meteor shower peaked early on Dec. 14, presenting a dazzling display for many stargazers on Earth.
How to watch: Geminid meteor shower to peak Monday night
If you’re outside overnight, look up. You might see a shooting star!
Michael Strahan joins Jeff Bezos Blue Origin crew, NASA astronaut Alan Shephard’s daughter to space
Michael Strahan hurtled toward space with Jeff Bezos’ rocket company Blue Origin Saturday, sharing the ride with the daughter of America’s first astronaut and four others.
4660 Nereus, asteroid the size of the Eiffel Tower, to fly past Earth
Asteroid 4660 Nereus is expected to come within 2.4 million miles of Earth on Dec. 11, which is close in asteroid terms. Here’s what to know about it.
NASA astronauts replace damaged antenna on International Space Station
Two astronauts replaced a damaged antenna on the International Space Station. The repairs were captured in a social media video posted by NASA.
'Stuff of nightmares': Rare, deep-sea fish found on California beach
"Mouth almost looked bloody! I’d say it was nearly a foot long," Jay Beiler said.
COVID-19 boosters: Fauci says definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ could change
The definition of being fully vaccinated could change as boosters become more widely available to adults in the U.S. but that’s only if the data shows it is necessary, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Warmer summers creating worse tick problems for moose, Isle Royale study shows
It’s a ghastly sight: ticks by tens of thousands burrowed into a moose’s broad body, sucking its lifeblood as the agonized host rubs against trees so vigorously that much of its fur wears away. A new study shows the infestation is worsening.
Could sea lamprey be eradicated from the Great Lakes? A new control method suggests it's possible
Closer to vampires than actual fish, using their razor-sharp mouths and tongue, sea lamprey pushed the Great Lakes fishery to the brink after their discovery 100 years ago. Today, scientists are considering methods that could eradicate them.
Longest partial lunar eclipse for 1,000 years to dazzle skywatchers on Nov. 19
During the event, most locations will see up to 97% of the moon slip into Earth’s shadow.
Thousands of satellites, space junk surround Earth and it’s a problem, astronomers say
There are thousands of satellites orbiting Earth, and that’s not all — tons of space junk from previous collisions are also cluttering the orbit around the planet. Astronomers say there’s more to come, and it could spell trouble.
The manchineel tree, the most dangerous in the world, is here in Florida
The manchineel tree is harmful in just about every way aside from looking at it. Legend even says it’s what killed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon.
That's one way to open hunting season - deer filmed running through Michigan church
When faith leaders arrived at their Sturgis church Monday morning, they found signs of breaking and entering. It soon became clear it wasn't a human that had broken in.
Russian test blamed for space debris that forced 7 astronauts aboard ISS to seek shelter
A Russian weapons test created more than 1,500 pieces of space junk that is now threatening the seven astronauts aboard the International Space Station, U.S. officials said Monday.