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Genetics

Scientists Say: Intron

These are sections of DNA that are trimmed out before the DNA is copied RNA and translated into protein. But they still have important jobs to do.

Animals

Uh oh! New approach to saving this species imperiled it

After years separated from predators, these endangered quoll lost their fear of them. This jeopardizes the safety of any quoll released back to their home range.

Planets

Pluto’s heart has dunes of methane ice

Pluto’s heart-shaped plains are striped with sand dunes. The sand is made of methane ice.

Animals

Hefty dinosaurs had a trick for sitting on eggs safely

To keep their eggs warm without squashing them, some heavy dinosaurs laid eggs in a ring and sat in a space at the middle.

Physics

To witness maximum pressure, peek inside a proton

Scientists used experimental data to estimate the pressures inside a proton. And surprise: Its mega-big — the greatest known!

Space

Scientists Say: Nebula

Nebulae are huge dust clouds in space. Some come from dying stars. Others are places where stars are born.

Health & Medicine

Teens with eating disorders can find themselves bullied

In some kids, unhealthy eating behaviors may heighten their risk of being bullied and developing depression.

Physics

The plant world has some true speed demons

Some plants can fling, snap and hop at dizzying speeds. Such botanical gymnastics gives lie to the idea that all plants are slow, boring stick-in-the-muds.

Chemistry

Analyze This: Beauty products are big sources of urban air pollution

In cities, a larger share of urban air pollution comes from the use of bath products, cleansers and more than does the burning of fossil fuels.

Chemistry

Nom, nom! These bacteria eat antibiotics for lunch

Some soil microbes don’t just break down antibiotics, they can eat them too. Scientists have found one way they do it.

Chemistry

Ouch! Lemons and other plants can cause a special sunburn

These are among a host of plants (many found in the refrigerator vegetable drawer) that produce chemicals that will kill skin cells when activated by sunlight. The result can be a serious, localized sunburn — sometimes with blistering.

Chemistry

Electronic noses might replace search-and-rescue dogs

A new type of sensor can sniff out scents that people emit. That might one day help rescuers find people buried under collapsed buildings.