Science & Society
- Science & Society
This robot won’t trip people up
New robots can follow the social rules of moving through a crowd, such as keeping to the right and passing on the left.
- Health & Medicine
Student invents 3-in-1 hygiene powder
A teen who volunteers at a homeless center has developed a powdery product that can serve as dry shampoo, body powder and toothpaste.
- Chemistry
Science works to save a salty world treasure
Poland’s 700-year old salt mine, just outside Kraków, not only is a cultural art treasure, but also an active research site for geologists, chemists and more.
- Brain
Evening screen time can sabotage sleep
Blue light from electronic devices can impair the body’s ability to sleep, making it hard to focus in the morning.
- Archaeology
Fiery tests suggest gooey tech by Neandertals
Neandertals could have used simple methods and handy materials to make tar. It would have helped them glue their tools together.
- Climate
Explainer: Weather and weather prediction
The sun and Earth combine to create the planet’s weather systems. And science is getting good at predicting what they’ll do.
- Health & Medicine
The power of ‘like’
A single “like” on a social-media post can make it much more popular, which can influence how teens behave.
- Health & Medicine
Social media: What’s not to like?
Social media can help teens connect with friends and family. Sometimes, however, it may leave them feeling depressed or isolated.
- Science & Society
Social networks can learn about you through your friends
Social networks can gather information from users that let them create “shadow profiles” of others — even people not on the network.
- Earth
Air pollution takes a toll on solar energy
Air pollution can rob the light needed for solar panels to make electricity. In India and China, the percent solar energy losses can reach double digits.
- Brain
Understanding body clocks brings three a Nobel Prize
Three American men will share this year’s Nobel prize for physiology or medicine. The award recognizes their contributions to understanding the workings of the body’s biological clock.
- Science & Society
Explainer: The Nobel Prize
Every year, Nobel Prize winners are front page news for their discoveries. But what is a Nobel Prize and why does it matter? We explain.
