All Stories

  1. Chemistry

    Chemistry solves a French royal mystery

    Ink analysis reveals the hidden words of Marie Antoinette's letters and who tried to hide them.

    By Carolyn Gramling
  2. Chemistry

    Everyday plastics can pollute, leaching thousands of chemicals

    Plastic bags and containers leach potentially toxic chemicals into both food and water, but researchers yet don’t know how they might affect health.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  3. Tech

    Did Facebook put Instagram profits ahead of teen safety?

    Former employee said Facebook (now Meta) ignored its own research on Instagram risks to teens’ mental health. We look at the issues and what you can do.

    By Kathiann Kowalski
  4. Planets

    NASA’s Perseverance rover grabbed its first Martian rocks

    Two finger-sized pieces of stone drilled from a basalt rock are the first bits of Mars ready to be brought to Earth.

    By Lisa Grossman
  5. Plants

    Scientists Say: Phloem

    Phloem is tissue that delivers food, made in leaves during photosynthesis, to the rest of a plant.

    By Maria Temming
  6. Animals

    Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer drinking with friends

    Vampire bats were known to bond with others in their roost. Now, research suggests bonded bats often drink blood from animals together.

    By Jonathan Lambert
  7. Brain

    Ask the experts: How to create a top-notch science fair project

    Five finalists in the Broadcom MASTERS middle-school competition reveal how they created nationally competitive projects.

    By JoAnna Wendel
  8. Planets

    Pluto is no longer a planet — or is it?

    In the 15 years since Pluto lost its status as a planet, some scientists continue to use whatever definition works best for them.

    By Lisa Grossman
  9. Animals

    Bacteria make ‘spider silk’ that’s stronger than steel

    Part spider silk, the material is better than what some spiders make. Researchers think it might make the basis for surgical threads or unusually strong fabrics.

    By Manasee Wagh
  10. Animals

    Let’s learn about the creatures of Halloween

    Check out the real-life vampires and zombies of the animal kingdom, and learn why people think ghosts and mummy curses are real.

    By Maria Temming
  11. Animals

    Cockatoos learn from each other how to open garbage bins

    The bin-opening behavior is an example of social learning. It’s also the basis of a foraging culture. Learn more in this web comic.

    By Sarah Zielinski and JoAnna Wendel
  12. Brain

    It doesn’t take a concussion for head hits to harm young brains

    Most head impacts while playing football do not cause concussions. Yet even lesser impacts take a toll in young athletes, scans of their brains show.

    By Kathiann Kowalski