Chemistry
Explainer: What is chirality?
Chiral molecules are mirror images of each other. They might not seem all that different — but can have drastically different effects in medicine, materials and more.
From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
More Stories in From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
- Artificial Intelligence
Chatbots may make learning feel easy — but it’s shallow
People who use search engines gain deeper knowledge and care more about what they learn than those who rely on AI chatbots, a new study finds.
- Animals
Is it possible to be invisible?
Fiction is full of characters with the power to vanish. But some animals have real-life ways to become nearly invisible.
- Microbes
Let’s learn about viruses
Viruses cause a huge range of illnesses, but vaccines can help protect you against these infections.
- Life
Let’s learn about life forms that have survived in space
Moss spores, bacteria and tardigrades have all proved their hardiness outside the International Space Station.
- Brain
Hypnosis isn’t magic. It’s the brain at work
While we still don’t know much about how hypnosis works, it appears to help some people conquer pain, anxiety and other problems.
- Animals
Woodpeckers grunt like tennis players when they peck
The birds grunt like tennis pros when making their rat-a-tat, a strategy that may help steady their movements.
- Psychology
Sometimes the best way to reach a goal may be to quit an old one
We’re surrounded by messages to persevere through all challenges. But science shows that knowing when — and how — to quit is important, too.
- Psychology
Big goals can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to stay on track
Aiming for something big? Break that big goal into smaller, manageable steps. Then narrow your focus. This will keep your eyes on the prize.
- Brain
Brain scans reveal where taste and smell combine to become flavor
Flavor isn’t just on your tongue. Scans show that a part deep in the brain fuses taste and smell into something that’s more than a sum of its parts.
