Among the more unusual news stories recently…NASA scientists discover water hidden on the sunny side of the moon, reporters take a super-fast ride on a new Japanese bullet train, and the ogre-faced spider has excellent hearing - but no ears.
Published in October 2020
A research project called Mineral has created robots that move around in farm fields, collecting information about how plants are growing. The project aims to use computers to help farmers grow more food in ways that are healthy for the environment.
Strong cyclones in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have hit land, leaving a trail of damage behind. Vietnam and the Philippines are struggling to recover from Typhoon Molave. In the US, Louisiana and nearby states are still battling Hurricane Zeta.
Judge Amy Coney Barrett has been sworn in as a justice on the United States Supreme Court. As a young judge appointed for life to the highest court in the country, it's likely that she will have a strong impact on American life.
On Sunday, voters in Chile turned out in great numbers to decide whether the country should create a new constitution. Over 78% of the voters said, "Yes" - a result that led to celebrations in the streets.
Fifty countries have now officially approved a treaty banning nuclear weapons, which means it will become international law. The treaty, which is set to become active on January 22, passed even though most countries with nuclear weapons don't like it.
In today's news roundup, President Donald Trump and ex-Vice President Joe Biden take part in their final debate, Pope Francis surprises people by supporting same-sex civil unions, and NASA asks Nokia to build 4G cell service on the moon.
Among the more unusual news stories recently…a Canadian town called Asbestos decides to change its name, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez draws a crowd playing a video game, and the SSC Tuatara breaks speed records on a Nevada highway.
On Tuesday, a NASA spacecraft touched down on an asteroid for a few seconds to collect samples that will be brought back to Earth. The operation will help scientists learn more about conditions when the solar system was first formed.
For years, scientists have been studying an incredibly tough beetle that lives on the west coast of the United States. The beetle is built so strongly that it's almost impossible to crush. Now scientists think they know why.
Intense protests have continued in Thailand and Nigeria, even though the governments have tried to stop them. Thailand's protesters are demanding big government changes. In Nigeria, the protesters want changes in the country's police forces.