Life

  1. Life

    Scientists Say: Benthic

    This ecological region teems with life — from coral to insect larvae to crabs.

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  2. Animals

    Parrotfish shape the future of coral reefs, one bite at a time

    Could these colorful fish aid struggling coral? Yes, but not always. Parrotfish play a complex role in reefs — and sometimes may cause harm.

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  3. Fossils

    Baby pterosaurs likely died in violent Jurassic storms

    Two hatchlings with broken arm bones point to ancient storms as the cause of mass casualties now preserved in Germany’s Solnhofen Limestone.

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  4. Animals

    Ripple bugs’ frilly feet inspired a water-striding robot

    The insects’ nimble movements on the surface of water inspired a robot with automatically unfurling fans on its feet.

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  5. Animals

    Horses became gentle and easy to ride thanks to two gene mutations

    Horse breeders altered two genes by targeting certain traits in horses. One made the animals tamer. Another made their backs sturdy enough to carry riders.

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  6. Animals

    Let’s learn about venom

    A bite or puncture from a venomous critter can cause paralysis, flesh rot, organ failure and many more violent — and sometimes fatal — symptoms.

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  7. Fossils

    Fossil teeth reveal some dinos were fussy eaters

    The type of calcium in those teeth points to what herbivores preferred to eat — whether soft leaves, rough twigs or something else.

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  8. Physics

    Scientists Say: Infrasound

    “Listening” for changes in these deep rumblings can allow scientists to predict earthquakes and other geological events.

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  9. Health & Medicine

    Floss delivers flu vaccine to mice needle-free

    The creative solution may one day allow people to vaccinate themselves — no injection needed.

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  10. Physics

    Comb-like wings help the tiniest insects swim through ‘syrupy’ air

    When you're the size of a grain of sand, flying through air is like swimming through a syrup. Bristled wings help the tiniest insects manage this.

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  11. Plants

    Unlock pinecone secrets with this science activity

    Let’s find out how pinecones respond to different temperatures — by mimicking changes in weather from the comfort of our own kitchens!

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  12. Animals

    Save the sharks to save the ocean

    Humans have driven sharks and their cousins to the brink of extinction, but it’s not too late to turn the tide. At stake is the health of the entire ocean.

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