Feature

  1. Better by Design

    Avoiding undesirable traits from the start could help chemists make molecules less meddlesome.

    By Rachel Ehrenberg
  2. Life

    Dining In

    A process called autophagy, is a means of self-preservation, cleansing and stress management for a cell.With their sights on fighting disease, scientists are now uncovering the mechanics that keep autophagy in balance.

    By Tina Hesman Saey

  3. Ice in Motion

    As frozen lands disintegrate, researchers rush to catch the collapse.

    By Alexandra Witze
  4. Health & Medicine

    Memories Can’t Wait

    Researchers rethink the role of amyloid in causing Alzheimer’s

    By Laura Sanders

  5. Quantum Whirls

    How turbulence plays out in exotic materials.

    By Marissa Cevallos

  6. Brain Boosters

    Some nutritional supplements provide real food for thought.

    By Janet Raloff

  7. Cerebral Delights

    The amygdala, a part of the brain known for its role in fear, also helps people spot rewards — and go after them.

    By Susan Gaidos

  8. Rivers in the sky

    Atmospheric bands of water vapor can cause flooding and extreme weather

    By Alexandra Witze

  9. In the Zone

    Evolution may have trained the mind to see scoring streaks — even where they don't exist.

    By Bruce Bower

  10. Sizing up the Electron

    Measuring the inner shape of the famous particle could help solve a cosmic mystery.

    By Alexandra Witze

  11. Alphabet of Life

    Searching for clues to the genetic code's origin.

    By Marissa Cevallos

  12. Meet the Growbots

    Social robots take baby steps toward humanlike smarts.

    By Bruce Bower