From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes
- Animals
See the world through a jumping spider’s eyes — and other senses
Scientists are teasing out the many ways the spiders’ vision, listening and taste senses differ from ours
- Brain
Addiction can develop when reward-seeking changes a teen’s brain
Over time, the pleasure disappears and craving grows. That craving causes stress that can drive people to use drugs or pursue unhealthy behaviors again and again.
- Chemistry
Explainer: What are fats?
A fat molecule's three long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms repel water, stash energy and keep living things warm — even in the bitter cold.
- Brain
Americans tend to see imaginary faces as male, not female
When people see imaginary faces in everyday objects, those faces are more likely to be perceived as male than female.
- Science & Society
New training builds ‘mental’ muscles in athletes
The training builds focus and resiliency while limiting the self-doubt that can cripple competitors’ ability to perform at their peak.
- Animals
DNA in air can help ID unseen animals nearby
Analyzing these genetic residues in air offers a new way to study animals. It could give scientists a chance to monitor rare or hard to find animals.
- Animals
Living mysteries: Why teeny-weeny tardigrades are tough as nails
Tardigrades often live in cool, damp moss. Their cushy life has somehow prepared them to survive the lethal radiation of outer space.
- Psychology
We all imagine being friends with celebrities. Is that a bad thing?
One-sided relationships with celebrities and fictional characters are normal. They also can boost self-esteem and empathy.
- Ecosystems
Recycling a climate-warming gas could make ‘greener’ farmed fish
Instead of warming the climate, methane gas can be collected to help farmers. Along the way, it may also save some fish.
- Life
Scientists Say: Bacteria
Bacteria get a bad rap for making people sick, but only a tiny portion of these single-celled creatures cause disease.
- Life
In blazing heat, some plants open leaf pores — and risk death
When heat waves and droughts collide, water is precious. Some thirsty plants try to cool off by opening tiny pores — only to lose water even faster.
- Psychology
To excel at basketball, it’s mind over matter
Get your head in the game. Top basketball coaches value psychological traits more than physical ones when recruiting players, says a new study.
