All Stories
-
EarthGlaciers give major boost to sea level
The ongoing disappearance of glaciers and other small ice masses worldwide makes a larger contribution to sea level rise than the melting of ice sheets on Greenland and Antarctica does.
By Sid Perkins -
EarthDating a massive undersea slide
Pieces of moss buried in debris left along the Norwegian coast by an ancient tsunami have enabled geologists to better determine the date of the immense underwater landslide that triggered the inundation.
By Sid Perkins -
HumansLonger work hours may warm climate
U.S. workers put in more hours than most other workers around the world, and one consequence is dramatically higher energy and environmental costs per employee.
By Janet Raloff -
ChemistryFor sweat’s sake
Soldiers and emergency crews may one day find comfort as well as safety in their chemical-protection gear, now that researchers have created a breathable, chemical-blocking composite material.
-
EcosystemsMost Bees Live Alone
Concern about honeybee shortages has inspired new interest in bees that lead solitary lives and don't bother storing honey.
By Susan Milius -
19775
The statement in the article that astronomers “don’t yet have” a probe to journey to the vicinity of a black hole is puzzling. As far as I know, the closest known black hole is V4641, more than 1,500 light-years away. Given that, the implied assumption that a probe will someday be able to reach a […]
By Science News -
AstronomyA New Spin
Using a flotilla of spacecraft to study X-ray emissions from the vicinity of black holes, astronomers are nudging ever closer to the whirlpool of activity surrounding these gravitational monsters.
By Ron Cowen -
MathThe Coin in the Cake
Hiding a coin in a cake offers a lucky slice and a tantalizing math problem.
-
Health & MedicineNow This Is Depressing . . .
People who increased their fish consumption to shed a brooding disposition may want to consider alternative strategies.
By Janet Raloff -
Visions of Infinity
Tiling a hyperbolic floor inspires both mathematics and art. Go to: Visions of Infinity
By Science News -
HumansFrom the December 19 & 26, 1936, issues
CHRISTMAS HOLLY TREES HAVE THEIR FLOWERS TOO Despite the popularity of the familiar red holly berries for Christmas decorations, few of us are familiar with the rare beauty of the holly tree’s flower. The illustration on the front cover of this week’s Science News Letter is one of the superb enlargements in Walter E. Rogers’ […]
By Science News -
TechAhead of the Curve: Novel morphing wing may reduce aircraft’s fuel use
A prototype aircraft wing has demonstrated in its first flight tests that its morphing might save fuel.
By Peter Weiss