Science & Society
- Health & Medicine
Don’t blame the rats for spreading the Black Death
Popular history says millions of people died of the Black Death in the Middle Ages after being bit by fleas living on rats. But human fleas may be the real culprits, a new study finds.
- Computing
Smartphones put your privacy at risk
Smartphones have become essential companions. But they can leak data about you. In fact, the potential for invading your privacy is higher than you might think.
- Science & Society
Kids make great citizen scientists
When professional scientists need help from a crowd, they often turn to kids and teens.
- Health & Medicine
High-nicotine e-cigs up chance teen will become a smoker
New study links vaping high levels of nicotine to greater likelihood teens will vape — and smoke — six months later.
- 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.
