News

Physics

Wiggling metal beams offer a new way to test gravity’s strength

A new experiment aims to get a better handle on “Big G,” the poorly measured gravitational constant.

Health & Medicine

The flowery scent of a Zika or dengue infection lures mosquitoes

Mice and humans infected with dengue emit acetophenone, attracting bloodsucking mosquitoes that could then transmit the viruses to new hosts.

Astronomy

Sand clouds are common in atmospheres of brown dwarfs

Dozens of newly examined brown dwarfs have clouds of silicates, confirming an old theory and revealing how these failed stars live.

Plants

This pitcher plant species sets its deathtraps underground

Scientists didn’t expect the carnivorous, eggplant-shaped pitchers to be sturdy enough to survive below the surface.