All Stories
- Animals
Wild medicine
Few veterinarians are available to treat sick animals in their natural environment. Fortunately, some critters can doctor themselves.
- Animals
The bad-breath defense
The nicotine in tobacco that poisons some creatures can also act as a chemical defense — at least for some caterpillars. The bad breath it gives these insects repels natural predators, such as spiders.
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Make 2014 a year of science
Every month boasts a day or week celebrating some aspect of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM. From World Wetlands Day to National Moth Week, these events can help you engage in science year round.
- Computing
Wheelies: Computers help electric cars turn
Electric-car designers think they’ve found a way to replace the differential. Computer-controlled wheels and a bevy of electronic sensors now help take the place of old-school gears.
- Brain
Erasing memories
Electroconvulsive therapy is used to treat severe depression, but the electrical jolt it sends into the brain also may erase bad memories.
- Agriculture
How to limit the need for pesticides
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests taking steps to limit children’s exposure to pesticides.
- Animals
Why are bees vanishing?
Scientists find evidence that pesticides, disease and other threats are devastating bees. And that could hurt farmers big time.
- Chemistry
Salt bends the rules of chemistry
When squished between two diamonds and zapped by a laser, salt’s atoms can link up in unexpected ways.
- Health & Medicine
Doggy dust could be a good thing
The outdoor dust that dogs drag in contains a mix of microbes that helped mice fend off allergic reactions and viral infections.
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‘The Poisoner’s Handbook’ comes to PBS
Public TV is offering a fascinating and gory account of scientists and justice in a show covering the birth of forensic toxicology during New York City’s Jazz Age. Related educational materials will help teachers bring forensic chemistry to their classrooms.
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A warm-weather pika gathers more moss
Warmer temperatures are causing some populations of the American pika to disappear in the mountain west. But one population has figured out a warm weather solution: a high fiber diet composed mostly of moss.
- Genetics
Ancient DNA sparks new mystery
DNA from a 400,000-year-old leg bone found in Spain is by far the oldest recovered from pre-human ancestors. It also shows an unexpected link to later, Asian ‘kin.’
