Science & Society

  1. Space

    Life beyond Earth

    Are we alone? Scientists search for an extraterrestrial answer.

    By Stephen Ornes
  2. Science & Society

    Obesity linked to location

    Kids living near parks or markets less likely to be extremely overweight.

    By Stephen Ornes
  3. Science & Society

    New dangers from bird flu

    U.S. government asks scientists to keep some secrets about their bird flu research.

    By Stephen Ornes
  4. Humans

    Digging into the Maya mystery

    In a Central American jungle, archaeologists and volunteers uncover ruins of the once-powerful civilization.

    By Charles Q. Choi
  5. Tech

    Tracing a gem’s origins

    Lasers identify the country — and even a mine — that a precious stone hails from.

    By Stephen Ornes
  6. Humans

    Mummies share their secrets

    Cutting-edge technology such as CT, or CAT, scans and endoscopes are allowing scientists to see not just what’s underneath the wrappings but also what’s inside a mummy’s body.

    By Gail Skroback Hennessey
  7. Science & Society

    Introducing the 2011 Nobel Prize winners

    Scientists in 2011 won for making unexpected discoveries about crystals, the human body and the universe.

    By Stephen Ornes
  8. Science & Society

    Scientist profile: Leroy Hood

    The inventor of the DNA sequencing technique, and Albert Lasker Awardee, embarks on the next big challenge.

    By Lisa Grossman
  9. Health & Medicine

    Scientists help amputees by getting on their nerves

    By Stephen Ornes
  10. Brain

    Action gaming and quick thinking

    Playing action games can hone ability to decide quickly, precisely.

    By Stephen Ornes
  11. Tech

    Lighting goes digital

    Brighter and more efficient, LED lights are on the horizon.

    By Cynthia Graber
  12. Planets

    Defining planethood

    Did Pluto deserve to be demoted from the rank of planet in the solar system?

    By Emily Sohn