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Tech

Fighting theater pirates

How can theaters thwart thieves from unlawfully recording a movie during a showing? A high-school freshman’s low-cost solution relies on simple physics.

Tech

Making magic with mechanical engineering

As kids, we all want to make magic. But Michelle Phillips took that dream further. She realized that she wanted to build rides for amusement parks.

Chemistry

Scientists confirm element 117

Scientists have confirmed the existence of a new, short-lived superheavy element. For now, they’re calling it ununseptium.

Brain

The scent of a woman — or a man

Animals unwittingly signal things about themselves by giving off subtle scents. A new study claims the same is true for people.

Computing

Electricity: Cutting the cords

Engineers are working to charge more wireless gadgets — without relying on cords and plugs.

Planets

A ‘Goldilocks’ world?

Scientists have spotted a faraway planet that is nearly the size of Earth and could host liquid water. It's too far to visit, but astronomers say the galaxy could be littered with such potentially habitable worlds. Don't hang up yet, E.T.

Animals

Move over cheetah: Mite sets new speed record

A super-speedy species sprints faster than any other land animal — for its size, a new study finds. Scientists may someday tap this tiny mite’s technique to create robots and other devices that zip around at sensational speeds!

Science & Society

Students use STEM to help their community

Every community has its problems. A nationwide contest encourages students to tap science to solve local needs.

Animals

Don’t mess with a frustrated fish

When a trout doesn't get the snack it expected, look out. These fish get aggressive. Sometimes they can defeat even bigger fish.

Climate

Arctic sends weird weather south

Arctic warming is affecting weather farther south, where most of the world lives. The impacts are especially worrisome for agriculture.