Life

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.

Genetics

Experiment: Are fingerprint patterns inherited?

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

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.

Animals

Let’s learn about frogs

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

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.

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.

Animals

When it’s hot, echidnas blow snot bubbles to cool off

These spiky Australian mammals have a trick to moisten their noses, allowing them to survive hot temperatures that should kill them.

Brain

Scientists Say: Anxiety

Some nervousness, or anxiety, is normal. Too much can be harmful.

Health & Medicine

New brain scans may show if a concussion has not yet healed

Concussions change certain brain waves, and delta waves may be the best signs of when teens can return to competitive sports.

Materials Science

Analyze This: Algae behind blue-glowing waves light up a new device

Some algae glow blue when they experience forces. Held in transparent plastic, they now make devices light up in response to gentle pushes and tugs.

Archaeology

Carvings on Australia’s boab trees reveal a people’s lost history

Archaeologists and an Aboriginal family are working together to find and document a First Nations group’s lost ties to the land.

Microbes

Bacteria give some cheeses their distinct flavors

Linking types of bacteria to specific flavors could help cheesemakers tweak their products — or even develop new cheese flavor.