Life
- Animals
In 2024, bird flu posed big risks — and to far more than birds
Cows, elephant seals and polar bears are among unexpected bird flu casualties. Learn about potential risks to them, to people and to our food supplies.
- Animals
Can furry pets get H5N1 bird flu and spread it to us?
The 2024 pandemic-style bird flu circulating in birds has shown up in cats and other pet species.
- Chemistry
Predicting and designing protein structures wins a 2024 Nobel Prize
A biochemist and two computer scientists using AI shared the top award in chemistry.
- Genetics
The discovery of microRNA wins the 2024 Nobel Prize in physiology
Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discovered tiny snippets of genetic material, called microRNAs, that play a big role in making sure cells work as they should.
- Science & Society
Let’s learn about the Nobel Prize
Nobel Prizes are the highest honors in science. But the prizes are far from perfect measures of scientific impact.
- Microbes
More than 100 types of bacteria found living in microwave ovens
More than 30 microwave ovens were sampled in a range of different settings. The microbes in them included ones that can cause food poisoning in people.
- Brain
Zap, zap, zap! Our bodies are electric
Electricity powers key functions in the brain, heart and bone. Scientists are working to understand those currents to improve our health and moods.
- Animals
A springtail’s spring-loaded backflip is fast — really fast
Globular springtails can seem to vanish as they spin backwards at rates of up to 368 rotations per second! So don’t blink.
- Animals
Chimps and bonobos recognize familiar faces even after decades apart
Chimpanzees and bonobos may boast the longest social memory of any animal besides humans.
- Animals
This biologist tracks seadragons, with help from the public
Nerida Wilson uses artificial intelligence to identify seadragons in photos taken by citizen scientists.
- Health & Medicine
Scientists Say: THC
The active chemical in marijuana might have some medicinal value. But studies point to THC's potential risks, especially for teens.
- Animals
Parrots may offer clues to how our intelligence evolved
Studies of the brainy birds’ abilities to use tools, solve puzzles, speak words and more may teach us about how our species got our smarts.
