Science & Society
- Science & Society
What’s the fun in fear? Science explores the appeal of scary movies
On its face, the appeal of horror doesn’t make much sense. But scientists are starting to uncover who’s most likely to enjoy scary films and why.
- Science & Society
This physicist hopes to shake up our understanding of space
Adeene Denton uses a combination of geology, astrophysics and coding to better understand the structure of planets.
- Tech
Can computers think? Why this is proving so hard to answer
In 1950, Alan Turing proposed a test to tell a human from a computer. Today, that Turing test may tell us more about ourselves than about machines.
- Animals
A tiny microbe inspired this scientist’s big dreams
Marc Mapalo has discovered three species of tardigrades and studies fossils of these water bears to better understand how their bodies have changed over time.
- Tech
Welcome to the metaverse
The idea of the metaverse comes from science fiction. But technology could make such immersive virtual worlds a reality.
- Chemistry
New meat-scented food flavoring comes from sugar — and mealworms
Insects could become a protein-rich part of the human diet. This new research aims to help people get past the ick of eating insects.
- Psychology
Persuasion can be used to change hearts and minds
Persuasion can be used for good — or ill — to change how people feel. To protect yourself against undue persuasion, pay attention.
- Chemistry
Recipes for modern beauty products aren’t so modern after all
An art historian has combined forces with chemists to uncover the science behind cosmetics used about 500 years ago.
- Brain
Let’s learn about reading
Reading can be fun — but it can also be really hard. New research is exploring how to make reading easier for people of all ability levels.
- Physics
Let’s learn about music
Researchers are delving into how instruments and spaces shape our experience of music, and how computers could play a role in the future of music-making.
- Science & Society
Some scientists want serious research into UFOs. Here’s why
Science grapples with unknown phenomena all the time. Investigating “unidentified flying objects” shouldn't be different, researchers say.
- Science & Society
A new audio system confuses smart devices that try to eavesdrop
It works by playing soft, calculated sounds to help people protect their privacy from automatic speech-recognition systems.
