All Stories

  1. Genetics

    Experiment: Are fingerprint patterns inherited?

    Let’s investigate whether fingerprint patterns are created randomly or whether they are influenced by genetics.

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  2. Physics

    Scientists Say: Magnetism

    Magnetism is an aspect of one of the four fundamental forces of nature: electromagnetism.

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  3. Animals

    This biologist uses microwave radiation to save endangered species

    Pei-Chih Lee works to preserve genetic material that can help researchers learn more about endangered animals, such as pandas and clouded leopards.

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  4. Chemistry

    Chemists have unlocked the secrets of long-lasting Roman concrete

    By searching ancient texts and ruins, scientists found a concrete recipe that could make buildings stronger — and help address climate change.

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  5. Environment

    Sea life may suffer as plastic bits alter metals in water

    This interplay between plastics and metals could affect how each affects the environment — and suggests opportunities for controlling their risks.

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  6. Animals

    Let’s learn about frogs

    Frogs are a fascinating bunch of amphibians. Unfortunately, they’re also dying off in huge numbers.

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  7. Computing

    Scientists Say: Hardware and Software

    Hardware includes all the physical parts of a device you can hold. Software includes all the coded instructions to make that hardware work.

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  8. Animals

    Random hops always bring jumping beans to shade — eventually

    It’s not fast, but jumping beans use randomness to maximize their chances of getting out of the sun’s heat.

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  9. Climate

    Here’s how to increase clean energy without harming wildlife

    Wind farms, solar panels and more take up land and may harm wildlife. Researchers are working to resolve this conflict.

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  10. These lemurs take nose-picking to a new level

    A nose-picking aye-aye’s spindly middle digit probably pokes all the way into the back of the throat, CT scans show.

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  11. Agriculture

    Native Amazonians make rich soils — and ancient people may have too

    Modern Amazonians make nutrient-rich soil from ash, food scraps and burns. The soil strongly resembles ancient “dark earth” found in the region.

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  12. Health & Medicine

    Scientists Say: Kidney

    The kidneys remove waste and excess water from the blood, forming urine.

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