All Stories
- Astronomy
Peeks into early life of supernovas show how to blow up a star
Multiple supernovas show off some of the ways a star can explode.
- Science & Society
Gene therapy, Gattaca-style, poses ethical issues
Gene therapy becomes more sophisticated, and the debate over the ethics of DNA tinkering grows.
By Eva Emerson - Paleontology
Suds versus nanoparticles and more reader feedback
Readers discuss the posture of an ancient reptile and why washing machines and nanoparticles don't mix.
- Animals
Crows safeguard sticks to speed future food-finding forays
New Caledonian crows safeguard the sticks they use to find food. As the risk of losing the tool increases, the more protective the birds become.
- Health & Medicine
Playtime at the pool may boost youngsters’ bodies and brains
Learning to swim early in life may boost kids’ learning in language and math.
- Health & Medicine
Snagging blood clots upgrades stroke care
A new device threaded up to the brain via catheter can unblock vessels in cerebral arteries, studies show.
By Nathan Seppa - Planetary Science
Sea salt may stripe Europa’s surface
Salt deposits on Jupiter’s moon Europa might be responsible for brown stripes on the icy satellite’s surface.
- Health & Medicine
Broken bones heal with young blood, how remains a mystery
Blood from young mice rejuvenates bones of elderly mice, but how it works remains a mystery.
By Meghan Rosen - Animals
Pandas’ gut bacteria resemble carnivores’
Unlike other vegetarians, the bamboo eaters lack plant-digesting microbes.
By Meghan Rosen - Animals
Vampire squid take mommy breaks
The vampire squid again defies its sensationalist name with a life in the slow lane.
By Susan Milius - Planetary Science
Boulders balance on tiny tips as comet 67P zooms through space
Three boulders on comet 67P resemble balancing rocks that are seen on Earth.
- Environment
E-cigarette flavorings may harm lungs
Certain e-cigarette flavors, such as banana pudding, may damage lung tissue
By Beth Mole