Science & Society
- Physics
Tests challenge whether centuries-old violins really are the best ever
Some centuries-old Italian violins are reputed to be the best ever made. Scientists tested that. Their data now show new instruments can sound at least as good — and sometimes better.
- Chemistry
Leftover opioids? Teen finds possible way to kill such pills
Mercedes Randhahn, 14, of Ogden, Utah, came up with a possible way to chemically deactivate unused opioid pills. Her research paved the way to a $2,500 prize.
- Health & Medicine
Health risks are scaring some teen vapers into considering quitting
As teens learn of serious — and sometimes lethal — risks associated with vaping, many are looking to quit their e-cig use. The challenge is finding groups able to help them.
- Brain
The science of ghosts
One in five Americans say they’ve encountered a ghost. But science has no evidence that ghosts are real. Here are more likely explanations.
- Brain
Slower brain development ups a teen’s risk of getting into a car accident
Lack of driving experience isn't the only factor in whether a teen gets into a car crash. Crash risk in young drivers is also related to development of their brains’ working memory.
- Health & Medicine
Studies test ways to slow the spread of fake news
Don’t share news online until you verify it. New studies explore who shares fake news, how to spot false stories and how to fact-check.
- Planets
Learning from what Apollo astronauts left on the moon
In the 1960s and ’70s, Apollo astronauts left trash, mementos and science experiments on the moon. Researchers want to study and preserve the relics.
- Animals
Breeding has given different dogs distinct brain shapes
An analysis of the shapes of brains in different dog breeds shows how humans have altered the animals’ brain anatomy.
- Climate
At the United Nations, youth leaders call for true climate action
Hundreds of young climate leaders gathered on September 21 for the first-ever United Nations Youth Climate Summit.
- Climate
Climate misinformation may be thriving on YouTube
An analysis of 200 climate-related videos on YouTube shows that a majority challenge widely the accepted science about climate change and climate engineering.
- Planets
Students help name 5 of Jupiter’s newly discovered moons
Astronomers announced discovering 12 new moons of Jupiter in July 2018. Five of them now just been named for goddesses and spirits of Greek and Roman mythology.
- Genetics
CRISPR enters its first human trials
A host of new human trials are using a gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to treat genetic diseases — from sickle cell and cancers to a blinding eye disorder.
