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When astronomers spotted Comet ISON in 2012, some christened it the "Comet of the Century." It initially failed to live up to the hype. But this month, ISON blazed brighter and sprouted several tails. Astronomers like Andrew Fraknoi are following the comet as it scrapes past the sun, where it could be destroyed--or emerge, even more spectacular than before.

In the Leidenfrost Effect, a water droplet will float on a layer of its own vapor if heated to a certain temperature. This common cooking phenomenon takes center stage in a series of playful experiments by physicists at England's University of Bath, who discovered new and fun means to manipulate the movement of water.

If the JFK assassination happened today, would we have the tools to crack the case? Ballistics experts Luke and Mike Haag apply 3D laser and Doppler technology to the crime scene for new insights into the "single bullet theory" and the "grassy knoll."

Fans love to watch the drama on the football field. But scientists are watching the action in a different way. Guest host Celeste Headlee speaks with material scientist Ainissa Ramirez and journalist Allen St. John about their new book "Newton's Football: The Science Behind America's Game."

There's increasing anger in the Philippines that the rescue and recovery work following Typhoon Haiyan has been disrupted by the bitter rivalry between the country's political clans.

With the invocation of the so-called "nuclear option," Senate Democrats moved to limit the power of the filibuster and dramatically change the nature of the institution. Many — on both sides — point to the maneuver as a sign of the system's failure. Writers Drew Toal and Kate Tuttle suggest books that might offer hope for us yet.

Republican congressmen held a hearing in Gastonia on Friday on the problems people in North Carolina are having with the Affordable Care Act. But it…

Born Nov. 22, 1913, Benjamin Britten went on to become one of the greatest composers of the 20th century, one whose work managed to push boundaries while still remaining tonal. The centennial of his birth is being marked by concerts around the world and a massive reissue of his recorded works.

The only other Muffet we've ever met is the Little Miss, so we've invited McGraw — women's basketball coach at University of Notre Dame — to play a game called "So what exactly is a tuffet anyway?" Three questions about nursery rhymes and children's songs.

The Shenzhen-based company BYD started producing cellphone batteries and moved to electric cars. Now, it's rolling out a fleet of electric buses in the U.S., a first for a Chinese auto manufacturer.

The island village of Patchogue, N.Y., appears to be an all-American suburb. But in 2008, it was the site of a brutal murder that left residents struggling to reconcile deep-rooted issues of racism and hatred with the town's idyllic appearance.

After years of cooking and eating the same pumpkin pies, stuffing and green bean casseroles, you might be in a Thanksgiving slump. Veteran restaurant critic Patricia Wells has a few recipes — including a spicy pumpkin soup and "intense" chocolate custards — to put a French twist on the holiday.

Bob Schneider, a songwriter from Texas, has challenged fellow musicians to a game for 12 years: Every Friday, a closed email group submits a new song of the week.

The Charlotte Bobcats made it official Sunday morning: When they rename themselves as the Charlotte Hornets next year, they’ll also bring back the old…

Citing stricter environmental regulations and flat demand for power, the nation's largest public utility says it will shutter six in Alabama and replace two in Kentucky with a single natural gas plant.

Convicted mobster James "Whitey" Bulger was sentenced Thursday to two life terms in prison plus five years for crimes he committed, which included 11 murders. The 84-year-old Bulger is expected to appeal, but it seems likely that he'll spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Farm programs will likely cost the government less under any new farm bill, but the policy could be bad for the environment. Both House and Senate versions would end a big subsidy, called direct payments, that has paid money to land owners — whether they needed it or not — if they complied with certain conservation regulations. The two chambers' versions of the bill differ on how, or even if, to incent farmers to take care of their land. But both versions would stop funding to keep at least five million acres of land out of production.

In this Italian drama, co-written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino ( Il Divo), an aging writer reflects on his long-lost youth and innocence amid the opulence and fantasy of the modern city. (Recommended)

Faust, which won the top prize at the 2011 Venice Film Festival, offers a singularly visionary take on the classic tale of a man who sells his soul to the devil. It's the final installment in a "men of power" tetralogy from the director of Russian Ark.

France is deep in debate, wondering if there's a resurgence of an old colonial racism, or if people have just become more tolerant of bigots. The questions stem from a series of race-based taunts against Justice Minister Christiane Taubira, who is black.