All Stories
- Astronomy
Kepler telescope readies for new mission after communications scare
The Kepler space telescope has recovered from going into emergency mode and is now ready for its next planet-hunting mission.
- Plants
New species of tumbleweed is just as bad as its parents
Two species of invasive tumbleweeds hybridized into a third. A new study finds it probably will be invasive, too.
- Genetics
Some people are resistant to genetic disease
People who should have genetic diseases but don’t may point to new treatments.
- Earth
Most diamonds share a common origin story
Most diamonds form from fluids deep inside Earth’s interior that contain carbonate compounds, new research suggests.
- Health & Medicine
This week in Zika: New mouse model, virus vs. placenta, nerve insulation loss
In three new papers, scientists present a tool for studying Zika, strike down a theory of infection and offer a broad look at what the virus does to the brain.
By Meghan Rosen - Genetics
Researchers edit genes in human embryos for second time
Researchers in China deploy CRISPR to alter genes in human embryos again — this time to make cells HIV-resistant.
- Health & Medicine
A sugar can melt away cholesterol
A sugar called cyclodextrin removes cholesterol from hardened arteries in mouse studies.
- Physics
Turning water to steam, no boiling required
A new material can convert water into steam with sunlight alone, and could be useful for making fresh water from salty.
- Climate
Science’s inconvenient (but interesting) uncertainties
In the latest issue of Science News, Editor in Chief Eva Emerson talks climate change, mouth microbes, and synthetic life.
By Eva Emerson - Climate
Changing climate: 10 years after ‘An Inconvenient Truth’
In the 10 years since "An Inconvenient Truth," climate researchers have made progress in predicting how rising temperatures will affect sea level, weather patterns and polar ice.
- Oceans
Readers question ocean health
Ocean plastics, ant behavior, pollution solutions and more in reader feedback.
- Animals
A sperm whale’s head is built for ramming
Computer simulations of a sperm whale’s head show that an organ called the junk may help protect the brain when ramming other whales — or ships.