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Archaeology

This prehistoric woman from Peru hunted big game

Women in the Americas speared large prey as early as 9,000 years ago, new archaeological evidence suggests.

Planets

Jupiter may have ‘sprites’ or ‘elves’ in its atmosphere

This is the first time that scientists have seen hints of these weird side effects of lightning storms somewhere other than on Earth.

Computing

Let’s learn about virtual reality

Scientists use virtual reality to build new games and to help people fight their fears.

Chemistry

Explainer: Our atmosphere — layer by layer

Earth’s five layers extend from the ground up and into outer space. Each has its own distinct features and serves as the site of different activities and phenomena.

Animals

Ogre-faced spiders listen closely to snatch bugs from the air

Ogre-faced spiders can hear prey sneaking around behind them. Low frequencies can trigger a blind, backwards attack.

Animals

Scientists Say: Apoptosis

When it’s time for cells to die, they need to do it carefully, so they don’t harm other cells.

Animals

Please do not touch the Australian stinging tree

Stinging-tree leaves look soft and inviting, but one touch delivers agony. Structurally, the plant's painful chemical looks a lot like spider venom.

Planets

There’s water on sunny parts of the moon, scientists confirm

The new observations were made by a telescope on board a jet in Earth’s atmosphere. They confirm the presence of water on sunlit areas of the moon.

Health & Medicine

Third major vaccine shows great promise against COVID-19

This vaccine, which may be easier to get to the public, appears to be 90 percent effective at halting disease and maybe spread of the new coronavirus.

Animals

The diabolical ironclad beetle is nearly unsquishable

The diabolical ironclad beetle is an incredibly tough little creature. A peek inside its exoskeleton reveals what makes it virtually uncrushable.

Brain

Scientists Say: Puberty

Puberty is a time when hormones surge and people develop the ability to have children. But it’s so much more than that.

Materials Science

This artificial skin feels ‘ghosts’ — things you wish were there

Engineers have developed a wearable device that simulates the sense of touch. It may benefit robotic surgery and deep-sea exploration.