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What is a margin of error? This statistical tool can help you understand vaccine trials and political polling
2021 Jan 06
Whether you are predicting the outcome of an election or studying how effective a new drug is, there will always be some uncertainty. A margin of error is how statisticians measure that uncertainty.
Air pollution may contribute to Alzheimer’s and dementia risk – here's what we're learning from brain scans
2021 Jan 05
The tiny air pollutants known as PM2.5, emitted by vehicles, factories and power plants, aren’t just a hazard for lungs. A study finds more brain shrinkage in older women exposed to pollution.
How does your brain wake up from sleep?
2021 Jan 04
The mystery of how the brain creates consciousness still puzzles scientists, but the mechanics of waking up are starting to be understood.
Instagram's redesign shifts toward shopping – here's how that can be harmful
2020 Dec 28
Instagram's Shop button signals the growing commodification of human interactions on social media.
7 research-based resolutions that will help strengthen your relationship in the year ahead
2020 Dec 28
Psychology studies suggest a variety of ways you can strengthen your bond and increase your satisfaction with your partner.
When working out makes you sick to your stomach: What to know about exercise-induced nausea
2020 Dec 29
You're working out, feeling great – until your stomach starts to churn and you're sidelined with a bout of nausea. Here's what's happening in your body and how to avoid this common effect of exercise.
Seat belts and smoking rates show people eventually adopt healthy behaviors – but it can take time we don't have during a pandemic
2020 Dec 29
Public health recommendations have always been a hard sell. Resistance to new behaviors – like the mask-wearing and social distancing advised during the COVID-19 pandemic – is part of human nature.
Group exercise may be even better for you than solo workouts – here's why
2020 Dec 29
Your most important piece of exercise gear may be the friends you buddy up with to work out.
The Sunburst hack was massive and devastating – 5 observations from a cybersecurity expert
2020 Dec 29
Cyberwarfare is more like cancer than bombs and bullets. Cybersecurity experts are just beginning to make their diagnosis of the Sunburst hack.
Whether slow or fast, here's how your metabolism influences how many calories you burn each day
2020 Dec 28
There are some factors you can't change about your metabolism. But there are things you can do to influence how much energy your body uses over the course of the day.
Should pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine? Will it protect against asymptomatic infections and mutated viruses? An immunologist answers 3 questions
2020 Dec 23
With vaccines forthcoming for most Americans, many groups, including expectant mothers, are wondering if the vaccine is safe for them and their babies. A physician-scientist explains.
Why it matters that the coronavirus is changing – and what this means for vaccine effectiveness
2020 Dec 22
A new strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 appears to be spreading fast in the UK. This probably isn't a big problem, but the data isn't in yet.
Thousands of ocean fishing boats could be using forced labor – we used AI and satellite data to find them
2020 Dec 21
Forced labor is a widespread problem in fisheries on the high seas. Between 2012 and 2018, an estimated 100,000 people may have been victims of forced labor on thousands of different boats.
New antidepressants can lift depression and suicidal thoughts fast, but don’t expect magic cures
2020 Dec 21
Drugs like ketamine can relieve depression symptoms, including suicidal thoughts, within hours, but they also carry risks that patients need to understand.
The top scientific breakthrough for 2020 was understanding SARS-CoV-2 and how it causes COVID-19 – and then developing multiple vaccines
2020 Dec 17
The development of multiple vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19 has been hailed as the breakthrough of 2020. But there were many more supporting discoveries that made this possible.
10 reasons why Anthony Fauci was ready to be the face of the US pandemic response
2020 Dec 17
Fauci turns 80 this Dec. 24 – and he's been on the national stage for decades. Here's more about his work before COVID-19 and why he was perfectly poised to help the US respond to the pandemic.
Museum specimens could help fight the next pandemic – why preserving collections is crucial to future scientific discoveries
2020 Dec 16
Specimen preservation means researchers don't need to reinvent the wheel each time they ask a new question, making it critical for the advancement of science. But many specimens are discarded or lost.
What you need to know about this year's winter solstice and the great conjunction
2020 Dec 18
The 2020 winter solstice is also when Saturn and Jupiter appear closest to each other for 60 years, Here's what you need to know about both the events.
Virgin births from parthenogenesis: How females from some species can reproduce without males
2020 Dec 15
Parthenogenesis, a form of reproduction in which an egg develops into an embryo without being fertilized by sperm, might be more common than you realized.
W.E.B. Du Bois embraced science to fight racism as editor of NAACP's magazine The Crisis
2020 Dec 14
As editor of the magazine for 24 years, Du Bois featured articles about biology, evolution, archaeology in Africa and more to refute the rampant scientific racism of the early 20th century.
Mermaids aren't real – but they've fascinated people around the world for ages
2020 Dec 14
Mermaids are not real, but are meaningful to people around the world.
It takes a lot of energy for machines to learn – here's why AI is so power-hungry
2020 Dec 14
Training neural networks burns through a lot of energy. As the AI field grows, it's working to keep its carbon foot print from growing with it.
Why do tigers have stripes?
2020 Nov 23
How do tigers – a top predator – successfully hunt their prey when they have bright orange fur? The secret's in their stripes!
COVID-19 vaccines were developed in record time – but are these game-changers safe?
2020 Nov 20
Because Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been developed in record time, many wonder whether companies cut corners or compromised safety.
Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is cheaper than Pfizer's and Moderna's and doesn't require supercold temperature
2020 Nov 24
There is now a third vaccine that prevents COVID-19 infections. It isn't quite as effective as the other two vaccines but it has advantages that may make it the frontrunner.
Laughing is good for your mind and your body – here's what the research shows
2020 Nov 23
Whether in the form of a discreet titter or a full-on roar, laughter comes with many benefits for physical and mental health.
Your brain's built-in biases insulate your beliefs from contradictory facts
2020 Dec 01
Cognitive shortcuts help you efficiently move through a complicated world. But they come with an unwelcome side effect: Facts aren't necessarily enough to change your mind.
Parler is bringing together mainstream conservatives, anti-Semites and white supremacists as the social media platform attracts millions of Trump supporters
2020 Nov 27
Millions of supporters of Donald Trump have flocked to the far-right social media platform Parler, where hate speech thrives.
'Constructive arguing' can help keep the peace at your Thanksgiving table
2020 Nov 25
Talking with people who hold different political views doesn't have to be an exercise in futile rage. Here are some tips to help you peacefully and fruitfully discuss spicy topics.
Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 will have side effects – that's a good thing
2020 Dec 03
The side effects of new SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are a result of immune system activation. While uncomfortable, they are both normal and expected. They are a sign that the vaccine is working.
AI makes huge progress predicting how proteins fold – one of biology's greatest challenges – promising rapid drug development
2020 Dec 02
Scientists in an artificial intelligence lab have made a breakthrough in solving the problem of how proteins fold into their final three-dimensional shape. The work could speed up creation of drugs.
How do archaeologists know where to dig?
2020 Dec 04
Archaeologists used to dig primarily at sites that were easy to find thanks to obvious visual clues. But technology – and listening to local people – plays a much bigger role now.
How COVID-19 vaccines will get from the factory to your local pharmacy
2020 Dec 04
A pharmaceutical supply chain expert explains the challenges of distributing the COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that need to be kept at very low temperatures.
What makes the world's biggest surfable waves?
2020 Dec 03
Some beaches in the world tend to consistently produce huge waves. Places like Nazaré Canyon in Portugal and Mavericks in California are famous for their waves because of the shape of the seafloor.
How sensors monitor and measure our bodies and the world around us
2020 Dec 07
Sensors are everywhere, from your phone to your medicine cabinet. Here's how they turn events in the physical world into words and numbers.
I'm an astronomer and I think aliens may be out there – but UFO sightings aren't persuasive
2020 Dec 04
Scientists are not convinced by the current evidence of UFOs. That doesn't mean that they don't exist. But have Americans' belief in UFOs gone from science to a new religion?
Genetic engineering transformed stem cells into working mini-livers that extended the life of mice with liver disease
2020 Dec 07
New strategy helps build synthetic organs from scratch. This enabled the researchers to grow functioning liver tissue in the lab that could be transplanted into mice with liver disease.
We scanned the DNA of 8,000 people to see how facial features are controlled by genes
2020 Dec 07
Like it or not, the facial feature most influenced by your genes is your nose. Researchers investigate which genes are involved in sculpting the face.
From permafrost microbes to survivor songbirds – research projects are also victims of COVID-19 pandemic
2020 Dec 07
Three scientists describe the fieldwork they've had to delay in 2020 because of the pandemic. These are setbacks not just for their careers, but for the body of scientific knowledge.
Fragments of energy – not waves or particles – may be the fundamental building blocks of the universe
2020 Dec 09
Field theory describes the universe as energy flowing along unending lines. With this perspective, it is possible to define a new fundamental building block of matter.
The iconic American inventor is still a white male – and that's an obstacle to race and gender inclusion
2020 Dec 08
The story of invention in America typically features larger-than-life caricatures of white men like Thomas Edison while largely ignoring the contributions of women and people of color.
5 years after Paris: How countries’ climate policies match up to their promises, and who's aiming for net zero emissions
2020 Dec 10
Bold visions for slowing global warming have emerged from all over the world. What's not clear is how countries will meet them.
Why do scientists care about worms?
2020 Dec 10
'Worm' is really a catchall term for a huge variety of animals with different characteristics that span the tree of life. They hold clues about our own origins as well as hints about human health.
We discovered a 115,000-year-old iguana nest fossil in the Bahamas
2020 Dec 09
A trace fossil of an iguana burrow was discovered on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. Estimated to be 115,000 years old, it is the first known fossil of its kind.
What is a neural network? A computer scientist explains
2020 Dec 11
Neural networks today do everything from cameras to translations. A professor of computer science provides a basic explanation of how neural networks work.
Arecibo telescope's fall is indicative of global divide around funding science infrastructure
2020 Dec 11
The collapse of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico was a result of financial neglect – and was a long time coming.
Scientists suggest US embassies were hit with high-power microwaves – here's how the weapons work
2020 Dec 10
High-power microwave weapons are useful for disabling electronics. They might also be behind the ailments suffered by US diplomats and CIA agents in Cuba and China.
How do woodpeckers avoid brain injury?
2020 Jan 31
Pecking holes in a solid wood tree trunk would give you a headache, if not serious brain damage. What special assets allow a woodpecker to do it?
Humans are hardwired to dismiss facts that don't fit their worldview
2020 Jan 31
Whether in situations relating to scientific consensus, economic history or current political events, denialism has its roots in what psychologists call 'motivated reasoning.'
Quarantines have tried to keep out disease for thousands of years
2020 Feb 03
Even before people understood how germs spread disease, they tried to isolate the sick to keep them from infecting others.
R0: How scientists quantify the intensity of an outbreak like coronavirus and its pandemic potential
2020 Feb 05
Epidemiologists want to quickly identify any emerging disease's potential to spread far and wide. Dependent on a number of factors, this R0 number helps them figure that out and plan accordingly.
A plasma reactor zaps airborne viruses – and could help slow the spread of infectious diseases
2020 Feb 05
Viruses are small enough to pass through filters, including face masks. Disabling viruses with electrically charged gases could be a better way to curb airborne transmission.
Re-creating live-animal markets in the lab lets researchers see how pathogens like coronavirus jump species
2020 Feb 06
In the real world, new diseases emerge from complex environments. To learn more about how, scientists set up whole artificial ecosystems in the lab, instead of focusing on just one factor at a time.
AI could constantly scan the internet for data privacy violations, a quicker, easier way to enforce compliance
2020 Feb 07
Data privacy regulations are being adopted to protect internet users. Today, humans need to read those rules to ensure compliance. New research suggests machines could interpret them in real time.
Why people post 'couple photos' as their social media profile pictures
2020 Feb 07
Social psychologists investigated why Facebook users post profile pics of themselves with a romantic partner and how those online displays are interpreted by others.
Why sequencing the human genome failed to produce big breakthroughs in disease
2020 Feb 11
Genome sequencing technologies have transformed biological research in many ways, but have had a much smaller effect on the treatment of common diseases.
Potential gene therapy to combat cocaine addiction
2020 Feb 10
Addiction to cocaine is wildly difficult to conquer. But physicians may soon have a new type of gene therapy for patients that makes the drug less alluring.
A 4-step maintenance plan to help keep your relationship going strong
2020 Feb 11
After the intensity of early courtship, even a healthy, happy relationship can feel lackluster. Psychology researchers have ideas for what can help you perk up your relationship rather than give up.
Hackers could shut down satellites – or turn them into weapons
2020 Feb 12
SpaceX and other companies are rushing to put thousands of small, inexpensive satellites in orbit, but pressure to keep costs low and a lack of regulation leave those satellites vulnerable to hackers.
How did I get my own unique set of fingerprints?
2020 Feb 13
You've had your own personal set of fingerprints since before you were born, and they'll be with you throughout your whole life.
Out-of-context photos are a powerful low-tech form of misinformation
2020 Feb 14
Images without context or presented with text that misrepresents what they show can be a powerful tool of misinformation, especially since photos make statements seem more believable.
Naming the new coronavirus – why taking Wuhan out of the picture matters
2020 Feb 18
While identifying a new disease by its place of origin seems intuitive, history shows that doing so can have serious consequences for the people that live there.
'Bee-washing' hurts bees and misleads consumers
2020 Feb 19
'Bee-washing,' marketing claims that purport to help bees, can diminish the important distinction between a honey bee and native bee.
Do I have to wear a jacket when it's cold outside?
2020 Feb 20
Leaving your coat at home on a cold winter day doesn't automatically mean you're going to get sick. But it could make you more susceptible to germs.
Deep learning AI discovers surprising new antibiotics
2020 Feb 20
Pathogens rapidly evolve resistance to antibiotics. AI could keep us a step ahead of deadly infections.
People prefer robots to explain themselves – and a brief summary doesn't cut it
2020 Feb 26
Having robots and other AI systems tell people what the AIs are doing makes them more trustworthy. A study finds that how a robot explains itself matters.
7 lessons from 'Hidden Figures' NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson's life and career
2020 Feb 26
NASA scientist Katherine Johnson was instrumental in getting people to the moon. Here are some of the lessons one mathematics professor believes she taught us all.
4 science-based strategies to tame angry political debate and encourage tolerance
2020 Feb 27
A psychologist explains how to reestablish civil political conversation in your own life.
US successfully planned for the 'endless frontier' of science research in 1945 – now it’s time to plan the next 75 years
2020 Feb 28
A symposium celebrated a roadmap for the American scientific enterprise laid out 75 years ago. What should be included in a US research plan that would last through the rest of this century?
Humans domesticated horses – new tech could help archaeologists figure out where and when
2020 Mar 02
Archaeologists have long argued over when and how people first domesticated horses. A decade ago, new techniques appeared to have provided answers – but further discoveries change the story again.
Predicting the coronavirus outbreak: How AI connects the dots to warn about disease threats
2020 Mar 03
Machine learning technology was first to sound the alarm about the new coronavirus. Its success illustrates how AI is boosting epidemiology.
Vaccines without needles – new shelf-stable film could revolutionize how medicines are distributed worldwide
2020 Mar 04
Inspired by amber and hard candy, researchers figured out a new, needle-free, shelf-stable way to preserve vaccines, making them easier to ship and administer around the world.
Better design could make mobile devices easier for seniors to use
2019 Jul 19
Each device is complex in its own right, and trying to use them together in many different settings makes things even more complicated.
A giant leap for humankind -- future Moon missions will include diverse astronauts and more partners
2019 Jul 19
The new era of space exploration is characterized by an emphasis on diversity and international cooperation. But there's a lot of work to do before there's gender equality in STEM fields and at NASA.
Robert Hooke: The 'English Leonardo' who was a 17th-century scientific superstar
2019 Jul 19
Born on July 18, 1635, this polymath broke ground in fields ranging from pneumatics, microscopy, mechanics and astronomy to civil engineering and architecture.
3 myths to bust about breaking up 'big tech'
2019 Jul 19
Advocates and opponents of breaking up Facebook, Google and other technology giants are falling prey to some serious misconceptions.
Americans focus on responding to earthquake damage, not preventing it, because they're unaware of their risk
2019 Jul 19
Engineers know how and where to build to minimize earthquake damage. But laws don't always reflect that wisdom. A new study suggests it's because of a mismatch between risk perceptions and reality.
Young Americans deserve a 21st-century Moonshot to Mars
2019 Jul 19
Americans need a new multi-decade Moonshot that will inspire several generations to shoot for the stars and pursue careers in space engineering and exploration.
How do lithium-ion batteries work?
2019 Jul 19
Keys to better batteries are found in chemistry and physics, as well as mechanical and electrical engineering.
University of California's showdown with the biggest academic publisher aims to change scholarly publishing for good
2019 Jul 19
The UC libraries let their Elsevier journal subscriptions lapse and now the publisher has cut their online access. It's a painful milestone in the fight UC hopes may transform how journals get paid.
Mapping the Moon for Apollo
2019 Jul 19
The first humans to land on the Moon, and the team that got them there, get all the glory. But what about the people who laid the foundation for this effort by mapping the Moon? Who were they?
Ticks spread plenty more for you to worry about beyond Lyme disease
2019 Jul 19
Tick-borne diseases are becoming more common in the United States. A public health entomologist outlines some of the lesser-known threats ticks pose to human health.
DNA testing companies offer telomere testing – but what does it tell you about aging and disease risk?
2019 Jul 19
Genetic testing companies are offering tests that analyze the ends of your chromosomes – telomeres – to gauge your health and your real age. But is there scientific evidence to support such tests?
How much is your data worth to tech companies? Lawmakers want to tell you, but it's not that easy to calculate
2019 Jul 19
A proposed bill would force tech companies to tell users how much their data is worth. But how can a single number capture data's power to predict your actions or sway your decisions?
Commercial supersonic aircraft could return to the skies
2019 Jul 19
Recent advances in technology and new trends in commercial air travel could make supersonic flight economically viable. But regulations will have to change first.
How did people clean their teeth in the olden days?
2019 Jul 19
People have probably always wanted clean and healthy teeth. What they historically used to achieve dental hygiene might surprise you.
Women are less supportive of space exploration – getting a woman on the Moon might change that
2019 Jul 19
NASA has made significant steps in making explicit appeals to women to support space exploration, but it might not be doing enough to gather needed political support.
Neuroscience and artificial intelligence can help improve each other
2019 Jul 19
Finding out more about how the brain works could help programmers translate thinking from the wet and squishy world of biology into all-new forms of machine learning in the digital world.
5 Moon-landing innovations that changed life on Earth
2019 Jul 19
The technologies behind weather forecasting, GPS and even smartphones can trace their origins to the race to the Moon.
So far cultured meat has been burgers – the next big challenge is animal-free steaks
2019 Jul 19
It's relatively easy to grow a bunch of animal cells to turn into a burger. But to grow a steak made of cultured meat is a trickier task. Bioengineers must create organized, three-dimensional tissues.
Trusting gut instincts to decide whether a military action is proportional opens a leader to psychological traps
2019 Jul 19
A decision-making process that relies on intuitive feelings rather than careful deliberation invites a host of biases that make bad decisions and disproportional consequences far more likely.
Red, white but rarely blue – the science of fireworks colors, explained
2019 Jul 19
Most of us look forward to the fireworks on the Fourth of July. But did you ever wonder how the chemists create those colors that light up the night sky? Are some colors harder to create than others?
How can you tell if another person, animal or thing is conscious? Try these 3 tests
2019 Jul 19
The only consciousness you can ever be certain about is your own. But there are different types of clues that could hint at what's happening within another entity.
Ack! I need chocolate! The science of PMS food cravings
2019 Jul 19
Women might find themselves reaching for sweets and potato chips in the two weeks before their period, even if they don't have a diagnosis of PMS. An OBGYN explains these cyclical food cravings.
I've started acknowledging the people who lived on this land first – and you should too
2019 Jul 19
An anthropologist who's researched the dispossession of Native Americans and their enduring connections to ancestral places sees the value in asking 'whose land are you on?'
Identifier une fausse image en ligne est plus difficile que vous ne le pensez
2019 Jul 19
Les gens tombent dans le piège des fausses photos, qu’elles proviennent de Facebook ou du New York Times. Qu’est-ce qui aide vraiment ?
Detecting deepfakes by looking closely reveals a way to protect against them
2019 Jul 19
Research has found ways to detect deepfakes through flaws that can't be fixed easily by the fakers.
An outlaw yeast thrives with genetic chaos – and could provide clues for understanding cancer growth
2019 May 22
Yeast isn't just important for the foods we consume. A rogue lineage of yeast species that evolves faster than any other is revealing secrets that may help illuminate the molecular causes of cancer.
Simply elegant, Morse code marks 175 years and counting
2019 May 22
Morse code works whether flashing a spotlight or blinking your eyes – or even tapping on a smartphone touchscreen.
Women take a hit for reporting sexual harassment, but #MeToo may be changing that
2019 May 22
By chance, a sociologist started an experiment the day sexual harassment allegations against Harvey Weinstein became public. As the #MeToo movement gained steam, people's responses changed.
New autism research on single neurons suggests signaling problems in brain circuits
2019 May 22
A new technology has enabled neuroscientists to examine the chemistry of individual brain cells. The finding reveal how genes are regulated differently in brain cells of people with autism compared to neurotypical people.
Why is the Pentagon interested in UFOs?
2019 May 22
During a military mission, whether in peace or in war, the inability to identify an object within an area of operation represents a significant problem.
'The Big Bang Theory' finale: Sheldon and Amy's fictional physics parallels real science
2019 May 22
A physicist reflects on the show's made-up Nobel Prize-winning theory of 'super asymmetry' along with how the series showcased authentic science and role models for future STEM students.
Stiff muscles are a counterintuitive superpower of NBA athletes
2019 May 22
It probably sounds bad or uncomfortable to you. But stiffness is part of what gives elite athletes the spring in their muscles.
A new type of laser uses sound waves to help to detect weak forces
2019 May 22
Most people are familiar with lasers. But what about a laser made with sound rather than light? A couple of physicists have now created one that they plan to use for measuring imperceivable forces.
Your internet data is rotting
2019 May 22
MySpace users were recently shocked to learn that the company lost 50 million user files. It's a harsh lesson in not leaving your intellectual property unprotected on the information superhighway.
Facebook's 'transparency' efforts hide key reasons for showing ads
2019 May 22
Rather than revealing an advertiser targeted you by your phone number or email address, Facebook may tell you it showed you a particular ad because you like Facebook. That's not much help.
Boredom in the mating market: Guppies demonstrate why it’s good to stand out
2019 May 22
The mating habits of these tiny, colorful fish may be revealing something broader about the animal kingdom, and perhaps even our own desires.
The electric vehicle revolution will come from China, not the US
2019 May 22
Chinese electric vehicle sales already amount to more than half of the world's total – and car makers and battery manufacturers are working hard to grow even faster.
How cryptocurrency scams work
2019 May 22
Cryptocurrency fraudsters have swindled their victims out of hundreds of millions – even billions – of dollars. What do they do to earn people's trust and then take their money?
What happens when a raindrop hits a puddle?
2019 May 22
Why does the impact of rain in a puddle look different from when it falls elsewhere, like in a lake or the ocean? A 'puddle equation' dives deep into the secret math of ripples.
Road to measles elimination is predictable, but can be rocky
2019 May 22
Scientists identified the general pattern of measles infections as a country moves toward eliminating the disease. This roadmap can help public health workers most efficiently fight and end measles.
Psychology behind why your mom may be the mother of all heroes
2019 May 22
Psychology researchers are interested in what makes a hero. Turns out many mothers tick off those same boxes by fulfilling a range of needs for their offspring.
Why the ancient promise of alchemy is fulfilled in reading
2019 May 22
Potions, spells and alchemy are intriguing to children and adults alike. A professor of literature explains what's behind this fascination and reveals where to experience the magic of transformation.
Science images can capture attention and pique curiosity in a way words alone can't
2019 May 22
Using an artistic eye when creating pictures of scientific phenomena and new technologies can elevate the resulting images in terms of both their beauty and how informative they are.
Electricity grid cybersecurity will be expensive – who will pay, and how much?
2019 May 22
Electric utilities have a right to make money on their government-granted monopolies, but customers also have a right to know what cyber-protections they would get if they paid more.
Robotic health care is coming to a hospital near you
2019 May 22
How willing are people to accept medical care from a robot or an automated system? It depends on the procedure – and the price.
The deadly, life-giving and transient elements that make up group 15 of the periodic table
2019 May 22
The elements that make up each column of the periodic table share a set of common traits. Here, a chemist describes group 15 and the crucial role phosphorus, in particular, plays in cancer.
Beanie Babies, the invention of CubeSat and student-designed and built satellites
2019 May 22
How do you train space engineers? You enable college students to build mini satellites, called CubeSats, launch them into space and help them collect the data.
60 days in Iceberg Alley, drilling for marine sediment to decipher Earth's climate 3 million years ago
2019 May 22
A paleooceanographer describes her ninth sea expedition, this time retrieving cylindrical 'cores' of the sediment and rock that's as much as two miles down at the ocean floor.
Drones to deliver incessant buzzing noise, and packages
2019 May 22
Commercial and recreational drones are taking to the air. They're very noisy, and neighborhoods everywhere could become awfully loud.
Modern shamans: Financial managers, political pundits and others who help tame life's uncertainty
2019 May 22
Hidden forces are always at work in the world, and people always want to control them, a cognitive anthropologist explains. Enter the human universal of shamanism.