Giant Stone Urns Hint at the Death Rites of a Lost People in Laos

Thousands of mysterious containers lie scattered across northern Laos. These “death jars” may have provided a form of communal interment, archaeologists reported.

By Franz Lidz

The Toll of a ‘Missing Scientists’ Conspiracy Theory on the Families Left Behind

The claim that their loved ones’ deaths and disappearances are linked is almost certainly false — but the loss remains real.

By Alexander Nazaryan

As Ebola Spreads, Scientists Race to Find Vaccines and Treatments

The Bundibugyo virus, a little known type, previously had caused just two small outbreaks. Now it’s at the center of a rapidly widening epidemic in Africa.

By Carl Zimmer

As A.I. Makes Strides in Mathematics, Mathematicians Urge Caution

A week after OpenAI made headlines with an A.I.-generated proof, a new “declaration” by 16 experts raises concerns that the technology threatens math as a discipline.

By Siobhan Roberts

Dive Into a Very Noisy Sea With Some Very Rare Whales

Fewer than 100 Rice’s whales remain on Earth. Researchers say sonic blasts from oil exploration are a top threat to the species. See and hear why.

By Katherine Chui and Catrin Einhorn

Blue Origin Rocket Blows Up on Florida Launchpad During Test

The rocket, built by the Jeff Bezos-owned space company, was to carry 48 satellites into space. Blue Origin reported on social media that “all personnel have been accounted for.”

By Kenneth Chang

A Fiery Visitor From Space Photo-Bombs an Erupting Volcano

For a split second, a fireball outshone the rivers of molten lava flowing from the Philippines’ most active volcano.

By Robin George Andrews

The New old age

By September, Nearly a Third of Americans Will Live in States With Legal Aid in Dying

Despite widespread support in polls, the number of people who actually go through with the practice remains very small.

By Paula Span

China’s Rise in Drug Development Looms Over U.S.

Clinical trials in China are getting attention at an international oncology gathering in Chicago. China’s surging biotechnology industry is fueling alarm that U.S. dominance in the field is waning.

By Rebecca Robbins and Gina Kolata

Scientists Find a Potential Cure for Chronic Hepatitis B

Most people recover from the infection, but it poses great risks for those who don’t. A new drug may cure 1 in 5 of these patients.

By Gina Kolata

News Analysis

Why the Ebola and Hantavirus Outbreaks Have Confounded Scientists

The types of Ebola and hantavirus worrying officials are very different from the species identified decades ago, raising new questions about how to respond.

By Carl Zimmer