News
- Physics
Explanation for G’s imprecision stumbles
A surprising new result seems to suggest that subtle changes in Earth’s rotation rate could account for physicists’ difficulty in measuring Newton’s gravitational constant. But some confusion with dates appears to derail the finding.
By Andrew Grant - Genetics
DNA disorganization linked to aging
Changes in the way that DNA is tightly packed in cells leads to mayhem that promotes the aging process.
- Paleontology
This dinosaur’s ride may have been a glide
A new dino called Yi qi may have taken to the skies with wings akin to those of pterosaurs and flying squirrels.
- Earth
Cosmic rays illuminate lightning
Radio waves emitted by particles zipping through thunderstorms allow physicists to probe thunderclouds and, perhaps eventually, learn what triggers lightning strikes.
By Andrew Grant - Astronomy
Tiny explosions add up to heat corona
Millions of mini-explosions every second on the sun could solve the riddle of why the sun’s atmosphere is so much warmer than its surface.
- Psychology
Childhood bullying leads to long-term mental health problems
U.S., British data raise bullying’s profile as a long-term mental health hazard for kids.
By Bruce Bower - Earth
Stronger quakes could strike other segments of Nepal fault
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal’s capital city could be overshadowed by larger future earthquakes along the Himalayas, scientists say.
- Earth
Hidden water found deep beneath Antarctica desert valley
New imaging reveals liquid water network beneath Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys that could support microbial life.
- Climate
Warming’s role in extreme weather quantified
Scientists calculate how much to blame human-driven climate change for extreme high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
By Beth Mole - Paleontology
‘Frankenstein’ dinosaur was a mash-up of meat eater and plant eater
Fossils of a bizarre-looking dinosaur found in Chile are challenging ideas about how dinosaurs adapted to their environments.
- Anthropology
Pots from hunter-gatherer site in China tell tale of lifestyle shift
Chinese foragers settled down and made pottery shortly before farming’s ascent.
By Bruce Bower - Anthropology
Ritual cannibalism occurred in England 14,700 years ago
Human bones show signs of ritual cannibalism in England 14,700 years ago.
By Bruce Bower