From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
- Brain
Brain scans offer clues to why math is harder for some kids
Kids with math learning disabilities process number symbols differently than numbers shown as dots.
- Animals
Animals can feel joy. Here’s how scientists might study it
Research has long focused on understanding negative emotions like fear in animals. Now they’re trying to measure positive feelings like joy. It’s a challenge.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists get smart about farts with new underwear sensor
It snaps into regular undies to measure releases of hydrogen gas. Rates vary widely, but 32 farts a day seems about average, early data suggest.
- Plants
Light pollution could be supercharging your pollen allergies
Light pollution in North American cities seems to be tricking plants into releasing pollen for longer periods each year.
- Humans
Let’s learn about adrenaline
In short bursts, this hormone can help you face your fears. But in the long run, too much of it can be unhealthy.
- Life
Scientists Say: Clone
This adaptable tech can help with everything from engineering medical microbes to preserving endangered species.
- Animals
This tool-using cow stunned scientists with her smarts
Veronika the cow scratches hard-to-reach body parts using a brush. This feat is forcing scientists to rethink which animals can use tools.
- Health & Medicine
Meet CLA, a naturally ‘healthy’ fat in burgers, ice cream and more
Solid at room temp, the natural trans fat conjugated linoleic acid resembles saturated fats — except that it appears good for the body in many ways.
- Health & Medicine
Here’s what nutrition experts say about dietary fat
New U.S. dietary guidelines promote eating full-fat dairy and meats. But health experts say nuts and seed oils are better sources of the two crucial fats we need.
- Health & Medicine
Explainer: What are ultraprocessed foods?
Packed with chemical additives, these foods have become a major part of our diets. Scientists have begun to worry about how ultraprocessed foods may impact health.
- Animals
Flat-faced dogs often struggle to breathe easy
Pugs and bulldogs aren’t the only dogs with breathing problems. Pekingese, Japanese chins and other squish-faced breeds have this issue, too.
- Animals
Wind won’t keep hungry yellow jackets away from your picnic
Hungry yellow jackets are really good at tracking attractive odors. Even in windy and difficult conditions, they can find your barbecue.
