Exploration

Mapping a large coastal glacier in Alaska revealed that its bulk sits below sea level and is undercut by channels, making it vulnerable to accelerated melting in an already deteriorating coastal habitat.

Archaeologist Terry Hunt, a leading expert on the island natively known as Rapa Nui, arrived a day after islanders discovered a previously unknown statue. It's the latest chapter in the island's long story of sustainability against the odds.

CatSat is a small satellite carrying a new communications concept – an inflatable antenna – into space. Led by UArizona students and supported by engineers from local aerospace companies, the project offers students a rare chance to get hands-on experience with spaceflight technology.

Future space missions likely will send robots to scout out underground habitats for astronauts. UArizona engineers have developed a system that would allow autonomous vehicles to explore caves, lava tubes and even oceans on other worlds.

Male red-bellied lemurs see a fourfold increase in estradiol during the third trimester of their mates' pregnancies. Researchers suspect that the hormonal shift is part of nature's way of preparing the lemurs for fatherhood.