Feature

Tech

Microbial Moxie

Microbial fuel cells, which take advantage of the fact that some microbes generate electricity when they break down organic matter, could one day power remote sensors, wastewater-treatment plants, and portable devices.

Animals

Just Duet

Two or more birds in some species can sing with such coordination that a human listener would swear that it's just one singer. With audio files.

Paleontology

First Steps

Using materials as diverse as lobster eggs, dead birds, and the headless carcass of a rhinoceros, scientists are conducting experiments that scrutinize the first steps of the fossilization process.

Tech

Is Anybody out There?

To speed the search for extraterrestrial life, researchers are using extreme conditions on Earth to develop a flotilla of detection devices to tease out signs of life in unlikely places.