In mid-May, the 2025 International Science and Engineering Fair was held in Columbus, Ohio. It's the world's largest science contest for students who haven't gone to college yet. The grand prize went to a student from Slovakia for a new way of making a medicine.
Published in “Europe”
On Monday, scientists and government leaders came together in Nice, France for the third United Nations Ocean Conference. The meeting is focused on the many challenges facing the world's oceans, and what can be done to help. The event comes as the US has suddenly taken a step back from protecting the oceans.
On May 22, Johan Helberg was woken up by the phone. It was a friend, calling to make sure he was okay. Why? In the very early morning, a massive container ship had crashed into Mr. Helberg’s back yard, stopping very close to his house.
Last Thursday, the United Kingdom signed an agreement which will return control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In exchange, the UK will be able to continue using the largest island as a military base for the next 99 years.
Scientists in the Netherlands have created a soft-bodied robot that's powered by air. The robot doesn't have a computer or a "brain", but even so, it's able to walk and swim on its own.
Last Thursday, the Roman Catholic Church chose a new pope: Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost. The church announced that the new pope was taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This is the first time an American has been chosen as pope.
Scientists working at the Cambridge University Library have discovered a lost story from the middle ages about King Arthur and Merlin. The story was hiding in plain sight - it had been used as a book cover. Now scientists have carefully "unfolded" the book cover digitally, revealing the hidden story.
On Monday, a massive loss of power left nearly all of Spain and Portugal without electricity. The outage lasted through the night, but power has now been restored in both countries. The cause of the problem is still unknown.
Yesterday was the 55th celebration of Earth Day. This year's theme was "Our Power, Our Planet", with a focus on how rapidly growing renewable energy sources are promising hope in the fight against the climate crisis.
Pope Francis, the world leader of the Catholic Church, passed away Monday. He was 88 years old. The pope’s death came shortly after Easter, an important holiday for Christians. Earlier this year, Pope Francis had been in the hospital with serious breathing problems, but he returned to work before his health failed again.
Recently, leaders have been chosen in several countries around the world. Today, NFK looks at election results from Germany, Ecuador, and Gabon.