A Conversation With

These Mathematicians Are Putting A.I. to the Test

Large language models struggle to solve research-level math questions. It takes a human to assess just how poorly they perform.

By Siobhan Roberts

The Interview

Michael Pollan Says Humanity Is About to Undergo a Revolutionary Change

The best-selling author grapples with big questions about A.I., consciousness and the distractions polluting our minds.

6 MIN LISTEN

Rebuilding the Lighthouse of Alexandria, Block by Virtual Block

An ancient skyscraper considered the seventh wonder of the world crumbled to ruin centuries ago. Now an ambitious archaeological project aims to reassemble it in 3-D.

By Franz Lidz

Newly Unbound, Trump Weighs More Nuclear Arms and Underground Tests

It remains to be seen whether the three big nuclear powers are headed into a new arms race, or whether President Trump is trying to spur negotiations on a new accord now that a last Cold War treaty has expired.

By David E. Sanger and William J. Broad

At a ‘Tea Party’ With Scientists, This Ape Showed Some Imagination

In a playtime experiment, researchers found that our closest living relatives have the capacity for make-believe, too.

By Alexa Robles-Gil

Trilobites

War Came to Ukraine and Its Dogs Are Not the Same

Researchers discovered surprising changes to former pets along the front line of combat with Russia.

By Anthony Ham

Trilobites

These Birds Are of Different Feathers, but They Flock Together

Researchers and volunteers in Texas documented birds of different species preening one another. Experts say the behavior may be more common than documented.

By Clarissa Brincat

Trump Allies Near ‘Total Victory’ in Wiping Out U.S. Climate Regulation

A small group of conservative activists has worked for 16 years to stop all government efforts to fight climate change. Their efforts seem poised to pay off.

By Lisa Friedman and Maxine Joselow

What’s Up With This Big Freeze? Some Scientists See Climate Change Link

A warming Arctic can stretch the polar vortex, a high-altitude air ribbon, one says. The “wobble” can disrupt the jet stream, causing extreme cold in the East.

By Eric Niiler

Climate ‘Superfund’ Bills Spread Nationwide, Despite Legal Battles

The laws aim to force oil companies to help pay for damage from global warming. Industry is gearing up for state-by-state battles.

By Karen Zraick

Drinking Is a ‘Social Lubricant.’ That’s Not Always a Good Thing.

Explaining why officials dropped limits, Dr. Mehmet Oz said alcohol “brings people together.” But social drinking also can lead to health problems, studies show.

By Roni Caryn Rabin

Trump Administration to Cut $600 Million in Health Funding From Four States

The states, all led by Democrats, used the grants to support a wide variety of functions, including H.I.V. prevention and surveillance.

By Apoorva Mandavilli

2 to 3 Cups of Coffee a Day May Reduce Dementia Risk. But Not if It’s Decaf.

One to two cups of caffeinated tea per day helps too, researchers found after following nearly 132,000 people for 40 years.

By Pam Belluck

Facing Regulatory Scrutiny, Hims & Hers Withdraws Knockoff Obesity Pill

Federal officials had warned that the new product from the online provider of weight loss drugs might be illegal.

By Rebecca