All Stories

  1. Ecosystems

    Bubonic plague was a serial visitor in European Middle Ages

    Outbreaks of Black Death in medieval Europe may have been triggered by faraway weather patterns and hungry gerbils.

    By Kate Baggaley
  2. Earth

    Steam bubbles carry gold and sulfur up from Earth’s depths

    Dense blends of metals and sulfur get a ride to the surface on water vapor bubbles.

    By Thomas Sumner
  3. Science & Society

    Enjoy scientific curios collected over decades

    Explore a modern scientist's curiosity cabinet.

    By Lila Guterman
  4. Science & Society

    ‘This Idea Must Die’ singles out scientific theories ready for retirement

    Researchers and writers weigh in on theories getting in the way of scientific progress in this collection of essays.

    By Allison Bohac
  5. Health & Medicine

    Chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body

    Scientists are shedding light on all the ways that chronic stress can boost inflammation and lead to serious health problems.

    By Nathan Seppa
  6. Health & Medicine

    Six ways to beat chronic stress

    Counseling, mindfulness training and purposeful social contact may counteract the effects of chronic stress.

    By Nathan Seppa
  7. Animals

    Five surprising animals that play

    No one is shocked to find playful behavior in a cat, dog or other mammal. But scientists have documented play in plenty of other species, including reptiles and insects.

    By Sarah Zielinski
  8. Animals

    Flamboyant old bustards keep showing off

    Among outrageously flirtatious birds called houbara bustards, old males may pay a penalty for years of extreme display.

    By Susan Milius
  9. Psychology

    Gene variant may foretell success in program for at-risk kids

    Disruptive children with DNA twist show biggest turnaround with 10-year intervention.

    By Bruce Bower
  10. Planetary Science

    Space simulations of 1960s focused on survival

    50 years ago, space simulations focused on survival. Now, quality of life is critical, too.

    By Bethany Brookshire
  11. Health & Medicine

    There’s more than one way to persuade people to vaccinate

    Fear, facts and attitude are all strategies for promoting immunization

    By Bethany Brookshire
  12. Ecosystems

    Bluebird moms inadvertently fuel wars between species

    Extra hormones delivered to eggs holding sons in tough times end up driving one bluebird species to chase off another

    By Susan Milius