Matter and Its Interactions
- Animals
We are stardust
Everything making up Earth and what’s now living upon it — from trees and people to our pets and their fleas — owes their origins to the elements forged by ancient stars.
- Environment
China exports pollution alongside goods
Many companies have moved the plants that make their products to developing countries, such as China. But the pollution linked to making those products can travel around the world.
- Physics
Closing in on fusion energy
Scientists blasted a tiny capsule of hydrogen with laser beams, setting off a reaction that released more energy than in earlier experiments. Still, scientists remain a long way from creating a reaction that releases more energy than it needs to get started.
- Environment
Explainer: All crude oil is not alike
Crude oil comes in conventional and unconventional types.
- Earth
How Earth’s surface morphs
Partly melted rock acts like grease to help huge masses of the planet’s surface slip up, around and down.
- Chemistry
Explainer: Ocean acidification
Here’s why shellfish and other animals in the sea suffer when the ocean is forced to absorb too much carbon dioxide.
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- Tech
Tracing a gem’s origins
Lasers identify the country — and even a mine — that a precious stone hails from.
- Science & Society
Introducing the 2011 Nobel Prize winners
Scientists in 2011 won for making unexpected discoveries about crystals, the human body and the universe.
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- Tech
A greener way to keep flames away
Scientists use safer materials to create a new flame retardant.
- Planets
Possible new saltwater stains on Mars
Dark streaks that grow in spring, fade in winter may point to saltwater on the Red Planet.
