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Tech

Scientists Say: Bionic

This type of technology combines natural and synthetic systems. It can restore lost vision and mobility and even grant cells new abilities.

Humans

Explainer: What is autism?

Autism is not a disease, but a description used to characterize a certain type of brain development.

Earth

Many natural underground stores of freshwater are shrinking

A lot of these aquifers are quickly disappearing due to climate change and overuse. Fortunately, there is growth in some of the world’s major aquifers.

Plants

Rampaging vines are slowly strangling tropical forests

Called lianas,these vines are growing out of control. They may cause tropical forests to absorb less carbon dioxide — worsening climate change.

Tech

Could we build a mecha?

In the movies, mechas come equipped with all kinds of abilities. But real giant robots would first have to master simpler actions, like walking and jumping.

Plants

This urban gardener is mimicking nature to create healthier plants

Urban garden specialist Kwesi Joseph is experimenting with rock dust and plants. He also helps New York City community and school gardens with gardening problems.

Animals

Let’s learn about Godzilla and King Kong

These blockbuster monsters are too big to exist. But if they were real, what adaptations would each bring to battle?

Animals

Scientists Say: Megalodon

The extinct megalodon (Otodus megalodon) was the largest shark to ever prowl the oceans.

Tech

Artificial intelligence helped design a new type of battery

Supercomputing and AI cut the early discovery steps from decades to just 80 hours. The process led to a new solid electrolyte.

Animals

Analyze This: Marsupial gliders may avoid the ground to dodge predators

It has been unclear why gliding evolved in marsupials. To search for clues, researchers strapped activity trackers to some of these cryptic creatures.

Science & Society

U.S. lawmakers look for ways to protect kids on social media

The U.S. government wants to protect young social media users from exploitation, bullying and more. The companies should play a role in this, it says.

Earth

Explainer: Sprites, jets, ELVES and other storm-powered lights

Fleeting glows collectively known as “transient luminous events” flash in the skies above powerful lightning storms.