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TechThis squirrel-like robot has some serious hops
Salto the jumping robot has a claw-like gripper. Like a squirrel, it can adjust its movement to help it stay balanced to stick a landing on "branches."
By Meghan Rosen -
AnimalsThe ‘bone collector’ caterpillar wears its prey as camouflage
For months, the caterpillar scavenges spider webs for scrapped insect body parts to cover its protective case. Later, that case will serve as its cocoon.
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ChemistryScientists Say: Chiral
Many biological molecules come in a left- and right-handed form — and biology plays favorites.
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PlanetsA giant, busted planet fuels a nebula’s mysterious glow
This Helix Nebula is like a colorful explosion frozen in time. Its center seems to be steadily radiating X-rays.
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LifeResearch without lab animals? New tech is making it possible
For decades, scientists have worked to phase out the use of animals in research. AI, ‘lungs’ on a chip and more are bringing that goal closer.
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AnimalsTick, tick, tick. In a first, a shark is heard making noise
The undersea world can host a symphony of fish grunts, hums and growls. Now add tooth-clacking sharks to the score.
By Susan Milius -
EnvironmentEco-friendly sunscreen? That’s bananas!
Bananas make their own natural sunscreens. A teen thinks these could work to protect our skin as well, while being safe for aquatic life.
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Health & MedicineThree U.S tick species may trigger a mysterious red-meat allergy
This little-known allergy, known as alpha-gal syndrome, is potentially deadly. Here’s what we know about it — and how to avoid the tick bites that seem to cause it.
By Meghan Rosen -
TechYou can ‘grab’ these virtual displays and manipulate them midair
Such interactive floating graphics and virtual objects could be used to make more immersive video games and museum exhibits.
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EarthScientists Say: Caldera
These gigantic craters form when a volcanic eruption empties magma chambers underneath, allowing the mountain to crumble into the void.
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SpaceA nearby star system is likely sending lots of comets our way
This Alpha Centauri system loses comets and dust particles, but it produces only about 10 of the several trillion meteors that Earth sees each year.
By Ken Croswell -
PlantsMagnets mimic gravity’s guiding hand for plants growing in space
Without constant gravity, plants waste energy twisting and coiling, trying to reach toward the sun. Teen ISEF finalists might have found a solution.