Science

Latest Science News

đź“…May 5, 2026 at 1:00 AM
Key science developments include US House rejecting deep science budget cuts, World Asthma Day urging inhaler access, astrobiology advances for detecting life on exoplanets, and quantum/AI lab breakthroughs.
1

House Appropriators Reject Deepest Science Budget Cuts

US House appropriators rejected severe proposed cuts to NSF, NIST, and NOAA funding in the latest spending bill. NSF funding was proposed at $7 billion, $1.75 billion below last year, while NIST faces a $160 million cut excluding earmarks.Source 1 Critics like Rep. Grace Meng and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro highlighted impacts on science agencies.Source 1

2

Former NSB and NSF Leaders Pen Critical Letter on Budgets

Former National Science Board and NSF leaders issued a letter opposing budget reductions for key science agencies. The letter addresses proposed cuts amid ongoing appropriations debates.Source 1 This comes as House panel adjusts Trump's requests for NSF and NASA upward.Source 1

3

World Asthma Day 2026: Urgent Call for Anti-Inflammatory Inhaler Access

Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) marks World Asthma Day on May 5 with theme 'Access to anti-inflammatory inhalers for everyone with asthma – still an urgent need.' It urges policymakers, governments, and pharma to ensure affordable inhaled corticosteroids worldwide.Source 5 Essential for controlling asthma and treating attacks.Source 5

4

Carnegie Science Launches AEThER Project Roadmap for Detecting Life on Distant Worlds

Carnegie Science's AEThER initiative develops framework for detecting life on exoplanets, focusing on common sub-Neptunes amid 6,000+ discovered planets. Founded in 2021 by VP Anat Shahar, it integrates atmospheric, empirical, and theoretical research.Source 4 Aims to answer if we're alone in the universe.Source 4

5

Fermilab Celebrates 2026 Quantum Science Program Graduates

Fermilab marked the graduation of its 2026 quantum science program participants. The event highlights advancing quantum research and education efforts.Source 1 Separately, Fermilab partners with NIU to launch new quantum science program.Source 1

6

Los Alamos Advances Lab’s AI Mission with New Team Efforts

Scientists at Los Alamos National Lab collaborate to boost the lab's AI initiatives. This includes developments in AI applications for national security and research.Source 1 Aligns with broader DOE lab advancements in AI.Source 1

7

ORNL Research Enhances Privacy and Security in Federated AI

Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) research improves privacy and security protocols for federated AI systems. This HPC-driven work addresses key challenges in distributed AI training.Source 1 Supports growing AI integration in scientific computing.Source 1

8

Jane Hvolbæk Nielsen Appointed New Director General of European Spallation Source

Jane Hvolbæk Nielsen named new director general of the European Spallation Source (ESS). The appointment strengthens leadership for this major neutron science facility.Source 1 ESS continues advancing materials and fundamental research.Source 1

9

Over 1,000 Scientists Reject New ERC Resubmission Rules

More than 1,000 scientists protest new European Research Council resubmission policies. The backlash targets changes seen as hindering research funding access.Source 1 Highlights tensions in European science funding landscape.Source 1

10

Hungarian Science Undergoes Rapid Changes, Reports Nature

Nature covers swift transformations in Hungarian science policy and research environment. Recent shifts impact national R&D priorities and international collaborations.Source 1 Reflects broader European science policy dynamics.Source 1

11

House Spending Panel Increases Trump’s NSF and NASA Funding Requests

House spending panel boosts Trump administration's budget requests for NSF and NASA. This counters some proposed cuts while aligning with executive priorities.Source 1 Part of ongoing FY2026 appropriations process.Source 1

12

Belgium Eyes Nuclear Takeover to Sustain Reactors

Belgium considers government takeover of nuclear operations to extend reactor lifespans. Move addresses energy security amid phase-out debates.Source 1 Ties into global nuclear strategy discussions.Source 1