Feature

Math

Take a Chance

Researchers are helping to turn the art of generating randomness into a precise science.

Paleontology

Flightless Feathered Friends

New finds of fossil penguins, as well as analyses of the characteristics and DNA of living penguins, are shedding light on the evolution of these flightless birds.

Health & Medicine

Asthma Counterattack

After several experimental attempts, researchers finally have verified that fighting allergens in the household can reduce symptoms of asthma.

Ecosystems

One-Celled Socialites

A wave of research on the social lives of bacteria offers insights into the evolution of cooperation and may lead to medical breakthroughs that neutralize virulent bacterial strains.

Planetary Science

A Titan of a Mission

On Jan. 14, a space probe will plunge through the thick atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan, looking for insights into the origins of life on Earth.

Agriculture

Frozen Assets

A U.S. gene bank has begun deep-freezing semen and other livestock 'seed' for possible future use in research or breeding.

Health & Medicine

Assault on Autism

A shift in scientific thinking about what causes autism is prompting a closer look at potential environmental factors.

Materials Science

Metal Makeover

Metallic glasses with extraordinary strength and corrosion resistance have been known for decades, but only recently have researchers been able to make such alloys on a large scale from inexpensive iron.

Animals

Hide and See

A new look at fish on coral reefs considers the possibility that all that riotous color has its inconspicuous side.

Chemistry

Solar Hydrogen

With the vision of a hydrogen economy looming ever larger in people's minds, scientists have picked up the pace of their pursuit of materials that use solar energy to split water and make clean-burning hydrogen fuel.