In the middle of a cattle ranch near Gerlach, Nev., enclosed by a corrugated metal fence, are small pools of steaming water. Close to the surface of these pools, water temperatures reach about 90° Celsius; deeper down, it’s even hotter. Landowners have sectioned off the area around the pools and installed an overflow pipe to keep the water from seeping out and harming livestock or people. Despite the dangers involved, one September day Joel Graham leaned over the barrier and plunged in his gloved hand to scoop up sediment and water samples. At this locale, the biologist from the Universit... (p. 26)

Protein that marks day length also coordinates blooming genes.

Chronic, low-level sound exposure causes deficits in rats. (p. 12)

In the nuclear family, the neutron is clearly the black sheep. Unlike its sibling the proton, the neutron is eccentrically — and irritatingly — neutral. Because they have no electrical charge, neutrons are hard to guide and focus using electric fields. And unlike protons, which can be liberated by igniting hydrogen gas, the neutron is stubbornly sequestered within the atomic nucleus, making it especially hard to interact with one-on-one. What’s most annoying is that neutrons are steadfastly secretive. Unlike charged particles, neutrons are hard to detect — making it hard to measure h... (p. 20)

Wings’ length, individual segments allow species to produce mating calls in range of frequencies. (p. 13)

Species thrives in Baltic Sea despite never reaching adulthood. (p. 13)

New analysis reveals that the Arctic species dates back to about 600,000 years ago. (p. 12)

Cell-based approach to new follicles takes hold in skin. (p. 13)

Locust exoskeleton could inspire new, fracture-resistant materials.