All Stories
- Planets
New evidence of a wet Mars
Ten years in to its tour of Mars, the Opportunity rover finds another place on the Red Planet that once might have hosted water.
- Life
How to reset a cell
Scientists had reported they had figured out how to turn a specialized cell into any other type of cell the body may need. All it took was an acid bath. But now in July, big doubts have emerged about the quality of that work and whether the results will hold up.
- Brain
When Cupid’s arrow strikes
Scientists have begun dissecting what it means to be in love. They are finding that much of what we feel can be explained by the effects of a few key chemicals — and not just on our hearts and brains, but on our whole bodies.
- Physics
Building a mirror with light
Scientists proved that lasers can be used to harness materials into a reflective surface. Some scientists ask: Can a space mirror be far away?
- Health & Medicine
Many human ails are ‘scars’ of evolution
Humans suffer many physical problems that other primates don’t, from sprained ankles to hip fractures. Scientists now say you can blame these on evolution.
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Mario and texting make a fun science fair project
Ideas for engaging science fair projects don’t have to come from books or science fair websites. Kids are more likely to get enthusiastic when a topic reflects what they care about most, from baking to sports to video games.
- Brain
The weight of thought
Thinking heavy thoughts? Scientists have just put people on a balance and shown that the brain briefly gains blood — becoming a bit heavier — while concentrating.
- Animals
Dissecting the dog paddle
Scientists occasionally describe the dog paddle as a “trot,” but that’s not right. When dogs swim, their complicated leg motions look more like a frantic run.
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Science site brings the brain to young minds
A new website run by scientists takes input from kids to help make science articles accessible. There’s room for improvement, but the concept is exciting.
- Environment
Does lightning sculpt mountains?
A new study sparks debate about how much rubble on a mountainside has been blasted loose by powerful bolts from the sky.
- Brain
Memory lessons from a forgetful brain
Scientists have just begun probing the preserved tissue from “H.M.” Even five years after he died, this man’s brain continues to offer lessons on how people make — or fail to make — memories.
- Physics
The ultimate wordfind puzzle
The world’s oldest library has books with hidden texts. Researchers are now using a high-tech approach to reveal their long-masked words.
