Life

Environment

Leaky sewer pipes pollute urban streams and bays with drugs

Scientists find that leaking sewer pipes around Baltimore, Md., spew thousands of doses of medicines into the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways.

Plants

Let’s learn about meat-eating plants

Carnivorous plants use a variety of strategies to lure in and capture their prey, from sticky traps to jawlike leaves.

Climate

Here’s how some sea-loving trees ended up far from the coast

This “relict ecosystem” that’s more than thousands of years old moved inland due to warming and a rise in sea levels.

Physics

Here’s why ducklings swim in a row behind mom

Baby ducks save energy by surfing their mother’s waves, but only if they do it in an orderly line.

Brain

Concussion patients should avoid screen time for first two days

Teens may find it hard to avoid screen time, but data from a new study suggest it can speed their recovery.

Plants

Scientists Say: Phloem

Phloem is tissue that delivers food, made in leaves during photosynthesis, to the rest of a plant.

Animals

Bloodthirsty vampire bats prefer drinking with friends

Vampire bats were known to bond with others in their roost. Now, research suggests bonded bats often drink blood from animals together.

Brain

Ask the experts: How to create a top-notch science fair project

Five finalists in the Broadcom MASTERS middle-school competition reveal how they created nationally competitive projects.

Materials Science

Bacteria make ‘spider silk’ that’s stronger than steel

Part spider silk, the material is better than what some spiders make. Researchers think it might make the basis for surgical threads or unusually strong fabrics.

Animals

Let’s learn about the creatures of Halloween

Check out the real-life vampires and zombies of the animal kingdom, and learn why people think ghosts and mummy curses are real.

Animals

Cockatoos learn from each other how to open garbage bins

The bin-opening behavior is an example of social learning. It’s also the basis of a foraging culture. Learn more in this web comic.

Brain

It doesn’t take a concussion for head hits to harm young brains

Most head impacts while playing football do not cause concussions. Yet even lesser impacts take a toll in young athletes, scans of their brains show.