All Stories
- Tech
This grid moves energy, but not always reliably
The grid that brings you electricity faces a host of threats. Engineers are at work to make it more reliable and nimble.
- Physics
Explainer: What is the electric grid?
Most of us get electricity through a huge system of power lines and equipment that together are known as the electric grid. Here’s how it works.
- Animals
To monitor penguin diet from satellites, look to poop
Scientists have figured out what foods dominate an Adélie penguin colony’s diet by looking at Landsat imagery. But to do so, they had to start with penguin poop.
- Physics
High-speed video reveals the best way to shoot a rubber band
What’s the best way to shoot a rubber band? High-speed video reveals how to avoid hitting your thumb.
- Animals
How some insects fling their pee
Insects called sharpshooters use a tiny barb on their rear ends to hurl their pee at 20 times the acceleration of Earth’s gravity.
- Animals
Scientists Say: Jellies
Jellies have roamed the seas for 500 million years. Some have stinging tentacles and bell-shaped bodies and are called jellyfish. Others are very different.
- Climate
New research may alter what we know about how tornadoes form
New data suggest that the twisters don’t form from the top down.
- Climate
Supercell: It’s the king of thunderstorms
Not every thunderstorm has the potential to give birth to a tornado. It usually takes this special type.
- Climate
Distant volcano could turn latest lunar eclipse dark red
The recent eruption of Anak Krakatau, an Indonesian volcano, could alter the color of this coming weekend’s lunar eclipse.
- Life
Amoebas are crafty, shape-shifting engineers
It’s easy to overlook amoebas — but we shouldn’t. These one-celled wonders can build their own shells, punch holes in prey and even farm bacteria.
- Fossils
A skeleton named ‘Little Foot’ causes big debate
New studies suggest a fossil hominid called Little Foot belongs to the species Australopithecus prometheus. Other scientists question whether such a species exists.
- Climate
Climate change greatly intensified many 2017 weather events
Climate change increased the likelihood of 16 extreme weather events in 2017 — including one that couldn’t have happened without it.
