Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is about to make its closest appearance to Earth today. This event is significant for astronomers studying the object. The comet offers a rare opportunity to examine matter from another star system. Scientists are observing how it behaves when exposed to sunlight. The comet poses no danger to Earth.

The vote on Dec. 17 closes out a year-long nomination process featuring the removal and renomination of the commercial astronaut.

A new study is the latest of several recent research papers documenting the physical toll of January's fires.

Firefighter turnout gear is designed to shield first responders from extreme heat and danger, but new research suggests it may also introduce chemical exposures. A U.S. study found that brominated flame retardants are present across multiple layers of firefighter gear, including newer equipment marketed as PFAS-free. In some cases, these chemicals appeared at higher levels than the substances the…

"We think that this is a way that the immune system has evolved to protect itself on multiple fronts..."