From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
- Brain
A single sniff is enough to detect slight odor changes
The speed of our ability to perceive odors is on par with that of color perception, a new sniff device shows.
- Health & Medicine
U.S. teen tobacco use has hit a record low
In 2024, tobacco use among middle- and high-school students reached a record low. But new vapes and nicotine-based products keep coming.
- Brain
Scientists Say: Aphantasia
Not everyone has a “mind’s eye,” and that’s OK. Some people recall memories and process information in different ways altogether.
- Brain
Ouch! The pain of pulled hair registers superfast
A hair pull is detected by a protein used to sense light touches. It also travels faster than most other types of pain.
- Psychology
Analyze This: Skipping through videos may increase boredom
Contrary to what people often expect, fast-forwarding or switching videos may leave viewers more bored and less satisfied.
- Humans
Is synthetic food dye bad for kids? Here’s what the science says
California is banning some food dyes in school meals. Though FDA says the dyes are safe, some studies show they may alter kids’ behavior.
- Plants
Explainer: How to identify tree species in the winter
No leaves to be found? Then buds, bark and branches might help you ID what tree you see.
- Brain
This neuroscientist looks at how your brain plans for the future
Freek van Ede studies how the brain selects information to plan for the future. He’s finding clues in the tiny movements people make with their eyes.
- Animals
Let’s learn about octopuses
These clever, color-changing cephalopods live all over the world.
- Brain
Scientists Say: Dopamine
This brain chemical helps focus our attention and plan our path toward success.
- Animals
Putting vampire bats on treadmills revealed an energy-burning quirk
A mini gym for bats shows that vampire bats burn amino acids, rather than the carbs or fats other mammals rely on during exercise.
- Climate
Trees may be even bigger climate heroes than we thought
These plants absorb methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in addition to carbon dioxide. Methane’s uptake is likely thanks to microbes living in tree bark.
