All Stories

Paleontology

50 years ago, trilobite eyes mesmerized scientists

Decades of research has confirmed that for such simple creatures, trilobites had astoundingly complex eyes.

Animals

Explore the expected life spans of different dog breeds

An analysis of dogs in the United Kingdom found that breeds like miniature dachshunds have the longest life spans while bulldogs have the shortest.

Tech

‘Nuts and Bolts’ showcases the 7 building blocks of modern engineering

Science News reviews Roma Agrawal's book, which updates the classic list of simple machines and reveals the heart and soul of engineering.

Artificial Intelligence

AI chatbots can be tricked into misbehaving. Can scientists stop it?

To develop better safeguards, computer scientists are studying how people have manipulated generative AI chatbots into answering harmful questions.

Microbes

Bird flu viruses may pack tools that help them infect human cells

Bringing along their own ANP32 proteins may give avian flu viruses a jump-start on copying themselves to adapt to and infect humans and other animals.

Archaeology

A four-holed piece of ivory provides a glimpse into ancient rope-making

The tool, unearthed in Central Europe, suggests that locals made devices for stringing together sturdy cords over 35,000 years ago, researchers say.

Physics

A pivotal quantum theory holds up even in extreme electric fields 

Quantum electrodynamics, which describes how charged particles and light interact, works in the strong fields around highly ionized uranium atoms.

Animals

Parrots can move along thin branches using ‘beakiation’

The movement involves swinging along the underside of branches with their beaks and feet, similar to how primates swing between trees.

Life

Insects flocking to artificial lights may not know which way is up

Insects may use light to figure out where the ground is. Artificial lights send them veering off course, data from high-speed infrared cameras suggests.

Science & Society

Geneticist Krystal Tsosie advocates for Indigenous data sovereignty

A member of the Navajo Nation, she believes Indigenous geneticists have a big role to play in protecting and studying their own data.

Health & Medicine

Under very rare conditions, Alzheimer’s disease may be transmitted

Alzheimer’s isn’t contagious. But contaminated growth hormone injections caused early-onset Alzheimer’s in some recipients, a new study suggests.

Humans

Here’s why COVID-19 isn’t seasonal so far

Human immunity and behavior may be more important than weather for driving seasonality when it comes to COVID-19.