News in Brief

  1. Neuroscience

    Zaps to a certain spot in the brain may ease depression

    When implanted electrodes stimulated a brain region just behind the eyes, people’s spirits were raised immediately.

    By Laura Sanders
  2. Plants

    Cactus spine shapes determine how they stab victims

    The shapes of cactus spines influence how they poke passersby.

    By Jennifer Leman
  3. Planetary Science

    NASA’s InSight lander has touched down safely on Mars

    NASA’s InSight lander just touched down on Mars for a years-long study of the Red Planet’s insides.

    By Lisa Grossman
  4. Neuroscience

    Brain implants let paralyzed people use tablets to send texts and stream music

    People with paralysis could control commercially available tablets with their brain activity, researchers show.