NASA announced on Wednesday that the Mars rover Opportunity had not responded to months of messages and the mission is officially over. That news came an astounding 15 years after completing its initial 90-day mission.

So, it’s February. Reality check time. How are your New Year’s Resolutions faring? Statistics show that the vast majority of resolutions have fallen apart by mid-February. Why do so many of us find it so hard to make changes that we presumably want to make?

The EPA has released an action plan for addressing the risks posed by a large class of chemicals known collectively as PFAS, which are used as flame retardants and non-stick or stain-resistant coatings. These chemicals have been linked to a range of human health impacts , including certain cancers, immune disfunction, and obesity. And they have been found in drinking water around the country. EPA’s plan commits the agency to continuing the process that could lead to legally enforceable drinking

" It's critical that you continue to engage your brain in the development of new abilities and and new skills or improve those things that matter to you because you're exercising the machinery that helps you keep your brain growing.” - Michael Merzenich This week on Living Lab Radio: EPA released an action plan for addressing PFAS chemicals used in firefighting foams and as non-stick or stain-resistant coatings, but advocates for communities dealing with contaminated drinking water seemed

How much screen time is too much? It’s a pressing question for many parents of young children and teens, who have been inundated with warnings about the negative effects of digital technology use on mental health. But new research suggests the story is not as clear – or as dire – as many think. Social media researcher Amy Orben of Oxford University says she often feels like she lives in two completely different worlds. “I live in the world where I listen to the radio, and I watch TV, and I read

Fire fighting foams, non-stick pots and pans, stain-resistant furniture, and water-proof outerwear. They sound like inventions of the Jetsons. The chemicals that give these items their nearly magical properties are known as PFAS - perfluoroalkyl substances. And they’re not staying in our clothes and cookwear. These chemicals have also been found in drinking water supplies around the country and in the vast majority of people’s bodies. There’s growing concern about the health impacts of PFAS.

On Wednesday on Capitol Hill two House committees held climate change hearings . Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker used his appearance at the hearings to highlight the commonwealth’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

President Trump’s State of the Union address included the word “science” not just once, as was the case in last year’s speech , but twice. The President called for efforts to stop the spread of HIV and cure childhood cancers.

It’s time for our monthly tour of science headlines from our friends at the Journal Nature and the Nature podcast.

"They really accomplished what I call the trifecta of science. Trump really covered the impact of science on economics, as well as health, and even defense and national security." - Jamie Vernon This week on Living Lab Radio: Nature reporter Lizzie Gibney runs through recent science headlines , including the academic community's responses to proposed Title IX changes and criminal charges filed against the Chinese tech company, Huawei. Jamie Vernon of Sigma Xi sizes up President Trump's second