All Stories
- Physics
These parachutes unfurl thanks to Japanese paper-cutting techniques
Parachutes inspired by Japanese kirigami are full of holes. When dropped, they open automatically and fall more predictably than standard parachutes.
- Animals
Liquid from African tulip trees may protect honeybees from pests
Liquid from the African tulip tree may keep ant invaders out of hives without harming honeybees.
- Earth
Scientists Say: Van Allen belts
Astronomers have detected these radiation belts around Earth and beyond. Jupiter’s belt is thousands of times as intense as Earth’s.
- Genetics
Scientists created human egg cells from skin cells
The technique could someday help people without reproductive cells of their own have children. But much more research is needed.
- Life
Award-winning micro-photos depict stunning details of nature
From fluorescent ferns to sprawling neurons, the 2025 Nikon Small World contest showcased the artistry of life as seen through a microscope.
- Physics
Why are skis so long?
Let’s strap skis to an action figure to see how long sticks of wood help people glide gracefully over snow.
- Plants
Let’s learn about autumn leaves
Here’s why some trees put on a colorful grand finale before losing their leaves for the winter.
- Microbes
Ants are the secret ingredient to this tasty yogurt
The traditional yogurt-making technique was once popular in parts of Europe and Asia. But don’t try this at home!
- Physics
Scientists Say: Blue whirl
Four types of smaller flames create the perfect firestorm of elegantly efficient combustion.
- Physics
Scientists shrink 3-D printing so it can work inside cells
The new tech created barcodes, micro-lasers and a tiny elephant — all in living cells.
- Space
Fast, mysterious clouds swarm around our galaxy
Astronomers want to know the source — and importance — of these faint, fast-moving clouds that zoom beyond and toward our Milky Way’s disk.
- Physics
This microphone picks up sounds by watching them
This microphone can “hear” by viewing the tiny vibrations made in everyday objects as sound waves strike them.
