All Stories

Genetics

Human DNA carries hints of unknown extinct ancestor

A new study suggests people today carry genetic traces of now-extinct species unknown to science.

Animals

Spidey sense: They can hear you!

Surprise! At least some spiders can hear us. Even without eardrums, jumping spiders can still detect airborne sounds from across the room.

Earth

Beaches can be a germy playground

Infectious microbes can flourish on sandy beaches. Scientists are now exploring how to find and monitor these hotspots for pollution that can make vacationers sick.

Space

Clouds on Jupiter run surprisingly deep

Jupiter’s clouds are not just a thin jacket about the planet, new data show.

Animals

Creative ways to help coral reefs recover

Coral reefs are under siege from threats ranging from climate change to explosives. But scientists are developing ways to rebuild reefs before they disappear.

Brain

Pain is contagious — at least in mice

Pain can move from one mouse to another. The trigger may be smell.

Health & Medicine

4 reasons why many people don’t vote

The United States has a terrible voter turnout. Scientists have turned up some data to explain why that is.

Health & Medicine

4 research-backed ways to get people to vote

Millions of Americans who are eligible to vote won’t bother to go to the polls. Scientists, though, are finding ways to get more of these people into the voting booth.

Health & Medicine

Scientists Say: Saturated fat

Saturated fats are found in meat and dairy products. Their long, straight chemical chains make them solid in your fridge and on your plate.

Earth

Water sensor quickly detects algal poison

A new sensor can detect poisons from harmful algae within minutes so that drinking-water plants can start timely treatments.