Life

  1. Brain

    Ingredients in popular snack foods can make them addictive

    Researchers find that highly processed foods rich in sugar and added fat may be as addictive as tobacco.

    By Alison Pearce Stevens
  2. Plants

    Mimosa plant ‘muscles’ fold tickled leaves fast

    A mimosa plant uses special cells to close leaflets when bumped and then reopen them — again and again.

    By Susan Milius
  3. Animals

    People and animals sometimes team up to hunt for food

    Dolphins working with people to catch fish recently made a big splash. But humans have a long history of cooperating with other animals.

    By Darren Incorvaia
  4. Animals

    Pokémon ‘evolution’ looks more like metamorphosis

    Pokémon “evolve” into larger, more powerful forms within seconds, but this evolution more closely resembles another biological process — metamorphosis. 

    By Aaron Tremper
  5. Animals

    These beetles ‘drink’ water using their butts

    Red flour beetles can survive in very dry environments. New research shows how the beetles can suck water from the air using their rear ends.

    By Freda Kreier
  6. Animals

    Sleeping glass frogs go into stealth mode by hiding red blood cells

    Glass frogs snoozing among leaves blend in by hiding almost all their red blood cells in their liver.

    By Susan Milius
  7. Animals

    Analyze This: Puppies naturally mimic human actions

    Unlike cats, whose ancestors hunted alone, dogs evolved from a species that hunted in packs. Being social might explain why pups copy humans.

    By Carolyn Wilke
  8. Genetics

    Experiment: Are fingerprint patterns inherited?

    Let’s investigate whether fingerprint patterns are created randomly or whether they are influenced by genetics.

    By Science Buddies
  9. Animals

    This biologist uses microwave radiation to save endangered species

    Pei-Chih Lee works to preserve genetic material that can help researchers learn more about endangered animals, such as pandas and clouded leopards.

    By Aaron Tremper
  10. Animals

    Let’s learn about frogs

    Frogs are a fascinating bunch of amphibians. Unfortunately, they’re also dying off in huge numbers.

    By Maria Temming
  11. Animals

    Random hops always bring jumping beans to shade — eventually

    It’s not fast, but jumping beans use randomness to maximize their chances of getting out of the sun’s heat.

    By James R. Riordon
  12. Climate

    Here’s how to increase clean energy without harming wildlife

    Wind farms, solar panels and more take up land and may harm wildlife. Researchers are working to resolve this conflict.

    By Kathryn Hulick