All Stories
- Genetics
Could disabling one protein cure the common cold?
Cold viruses — and there are many — seem to need this human molecule to spread.
- Fossils
Scientists Say: Paleontology
This is the study of prehistoric life based on fossils of microbes, plants, and animals found in rock.
- Planets
Spotted: An exoplanet where it might rain
A planet outside the solar system appears to have clouds with liquid water.
- Animals
What we can — and can’t — learn from our pets’ DNA
Your dog or cat’s DNA is an open book. DNA tests tell people about their pet’s breed and attempt to predict things about its behavior and health.
- Genetics
Explainer: How DNA testing works
Lots of companies will now test DNA from people and their pets. How do these gene-sequencing techniques work? We explain.
- Animals
DNA testing looks into dog breeds and cat history
Dog and cat breeds can look very different from one another. How does it happen? Combinations of tiny genetic tweaks.
- Brain
Slower brain development ups a teen’s risk of getting into a car accident
Lack of driving experience isn't the only factor in whether a teen gets into a car crash. Crash risk in young drivers is also related to development of their brains’ working memory.
- Materials Science
This device uses the cold night sky to generate electricity
A new device uses the temperature difference between Earth and outer space to create electricity after dark. Powering a lamp, it would be the ultimate night light.
- Life
Scientists Say: RNA
This is a molecule that helps cells make proteins from the instructions encoded in DNA.
- Earth
Air pollution intensifies a teen’s feeling of stress
Living where the air is dirty may make tough situations even more stressful — especially for teens suffering from anxiety or depression.
- Health & Medicine
Studies test ways to slow the spread of fake news
Don’t share news online until you verify it. New studies explore who shares fake news, how to spot false stories and how to fact-check.
- Health & Medicine
Data show worrisome rise in youth vaping
Latest U.S. data show rates of vaping still on the rise among U.S. teens and middle-school students.
