Life
These clues might point to life on other worlds
Gases and color on distant planets may trace to activity by extraterrestrial life. If so, those E.T.s are likely tiny, one-celled beings.
By Douglas Fox
HS-PS4-5
Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.
More Stories in HS-PS4-5
- Fossils
Here’s why ammolite gems have a rainbow shimmer
The fossils’ fabulous colors arise from delicate assemblies of crystal plates.
- Life
Award-winning micro-photos depict stunning details of nature
From fluorescent ferns to sprawling neurons, the 2025 Nikon Small World contest showcased the artistry of life as seen through a microscope.
- Physics
Scientists shrink 3-D printing so it can work inside cells
The new tech created barcodes, micro-lasers and a tiny elephant — all in living cells.
- Physics
This microphone picks up sounds by watching them
This microphone can “hear” by viewing the tiny vibrations made in everyday objects as sound waves strike them.
- Space
Scientists caught a black hole ringing like a bell
Two black holes merged, creating a new, bigger one. This event triggered the clearest ripples in spacetime ever observed.
- Animals
Birds of paradise have a newly discovered glow
Many male birds of paradise have bellies, bills and other parts that glow under certain types of light. This special gleam may help them woo mates.
- Computing
A new frontier awaits — computing with light
Today’s computers process using electrical signals. But light shows promise as a new means of computing, especially for AI.
- Physics
Experiment: Measure the speed of light with a laser
Grab a laser pointer and some Jell-O, because today we’re measuring the speed of light.
- Space
Scientists Say: Astronomical interferometry
This technique links up many telescopes to see the universe in finer detail than any single telescope could alone.
