Supposed Maya predictions of the end of the world in 2012 have some people seriously scared. See what experts say about the unknown planet predicted to pummel Earth, the cataclysmic "galactic alignment," and more.

A star explosion that blazed as bright as ten billion suns but faded away within 20 days might be the first proof of a theoretical new class of supernova, astronomers suggest.

Cosmic rays can mutate microbes and dampen immune systems—creating virulent diseases that may become a major hurdle in the quest to send humans into space, a new report says.

Part of a growing trend, a Danish family of seven has installed its own wind turbine to produce all the electricity the family needs while reducing its carbon footprint. Video.

Hyper-real animation—think movies like The Polar Express or Beowulf—can get too realistic for comfort, psychologists say. And according to a new study, monkeys might agree.

Want to meet a Martian or spark lunar conflict? Two former NASA specialists give tips for making the most of Google's 3-D space offerings—and offer hints for finding some little-known gems.Video

Star explosions accelerate high-energy particles called cosmic rays, sending them darting across space, according to a new study of gamma ray-filled galaxies.

From AquaPenguin to Charlie the Robo-Tuna, underwater robots are going wild as scientists find nature has often already conquered their engineering challenges.

Researchers may have found a way to induce molting in blue crabs, which could increase the availability of soft-shell crabs, considered a delicacy. Video.

Forty years after the first simple network message crossed California and crashed the Internet's precursor, the system's current ubiquity leaves at least one of its creators "surprised and totally pleased."

Forty years after the first simple network message crossed California, the Internet has transformed our lives—and experts argue it should be a right, rather than a privilege.

A brief but powerful flash of light about 13 billion light-years from Earth offers an unprecedented glimpse into the mysterious cosmic dark ages, two new studies report.

NASA this morning launched a prototype of its first new rocket in nearly 30 years. The Ares I-X is a precursor of the rocket that could launch humans back to the moon and carry the space shuttle's replacement spacecraft, Orion.

In one small step for NASA's plans to return humans to the moon and beyond, the Ares I-X rocket blasted off today and successfully completed its six-minute test flight.

NASA's Ares I-X rocket launch has been scrubbed after delays due to clouds and winds, a stuck probe cover, and an unexpected cargo ship in the rocket's "danger zone." NASA will try again on Wednesday.