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Animals

Rats can bop their heads to a musical beat

Rats’ rhythmic response to human music doesn’t mean they like to dance. But it may shed light on how brains evolved to perceive rhythm.

Psychology

Procrastination may hurt your health — but you can change that

Scientists have linked procrastination to mental and physical health problems. But don’t be too hard on yourself — there are steps you can take.

Ecosystems

Scientists Say: Food web

All the species in an ecosystem and the feeding relationships between them get summed up with this handy picture.

Brain

Scientists mapped every nerve cell in this insect brain

Researchers have built a “connectivity map” of all the nerve cells in the larval fruit fly brain and how they link together.

Earth

Under the ice, a hidden lake hints at its origin — and coming end

Lake Mercer may serve as a model for better understanding the birth and life of Antarctica’s hundreds of subglacial lakes.

Earth

A natural ‘cathedral’ lurks deep under Antarctic ice

By drilling into this cavern, scientists have opened a window into the mysterious world of hidden lakes, their occupants — and rivers that run uphill.

Health & Medicine

Humans might be able to hibernate during space travel

Scientists are studying how animals hibernate and developing new technologies to help humans sleep through space travel.

Brain

Let’s learn about the science of language

The languages we speak may help shape how we see, smell and hear the world around us.

Earth

One collision could have formed the moon and started plate tectonics

A hypothetical planet slamming into Earth 4.5 billion years ago might have set subduction into motion.

Math

Scientists Say: Möbius strip

Möbius strips may be easy to make, but they have some pretty mind-bending properties.

Planets

Research on exoplanets took top award at 2023 Regeneron ISEF

Six young researchers took home the top awards, each valued at a minimum of $50,000. Hundreds more shared nearly $9 million in prizes at international event.

Plants

Analyze This: Plants sound off when they’re in trouble

When dry or cut, tomato and tobacco plants make sounds too high for humans to hear. Such sounds could provide a way to snoop on crops.