All Stories
- Space
Scientists Say: Quasi-satellite
Unlike a true satellite, these tagalongs orbit outside a planet’s primary sphere of gravitational control.
- Tech
This 3-D printed robot runs on air, not electricity
The soft, flexible robot can cover uneven ground and even walk underwater.
- Animals
Captive-breeding axolotls may help avoid their extinction
The axolotl program's success shows promise in helping protect this highly popular amphibian — currently found in only one lake — from dying out in the wild.
- 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."
- 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.
- Chemistry
Scientists Say: Chiral
Many biological molecules come in a left- and right-handed form — and biology plays favorites.
- 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.
