All Stories

Environment

New ocean sanctuaries house young coral and even flee peril

Two ISEF finalists want to foster growth of new coral reefs. So these teens designed and built self-navigating, undersea houseboats for coral larvae.

Archaeology

Roman gladiators really fought big cats, ancient bite marks suggest 

This is the first skeletal evidence of an ancient Roman gladiator show — or execution — involving an exotic animal.

Animals

Teens work to keep giant water bugs on the menu

Many culinary cultures around the world prize these nutritious and flavorful insects. New approaches may help giant water bug farming efforts.

Tech

This squirrel-like robot has some serious hops

Salto the jumping robot has a claw-like gripper. Like a squirrel, it can adjust its movement to help it stay balanced to stick a landing on "branches."

Chemistry

Scientists Say: Chiral

Many biological molecules come in a left- and right-handed form — and biology plays favorites.

Animals

The ‘bone collector’ caterpillar wears its prey as camouflage

For months, the caterpillar scavenges spider webs for scrapped insect body parts to cover its protective case. Later, that case will serve as its cocoon.

Planets

A giant, busted planet fuels a nebula’s mysterious glow

This Helix Nebula is like a colorful explosion frozen in time. Its center seems to be steadily radiating X-rays.

Life

Research without lab animals? New tech is making it possible

For decades, scientists have worked to phase out the use of animals in research. AI, ‘lungs’ on a chip and more are bringing that goal closer.

Animals

Tick, tick, tick. In a first, a shark is heard making noise

The undersea world can host a symphony of fish grunts, hums and growls. Now add tooth-clacking sharks to the score.

Environment

Eco-friendly sunscreen? That’s bananas!

Bananas make their own natural sunscreens. A teen thinks these could work to protect our skin as well, while being safe for aquatic life.

Health & Medicine

Three U.S tick species may trigger a mysterious red-meat allergy

This little-known allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome, is potentially deadly. Here’s what we know about it — and how to avoid the tick bites that seem to cause it.

Tech

You can ‘grab’ these virtual displays and manipulate them midair

Such interactive floating graphics and virtual objects could be used to make more immersive video games and museum exhibits.