News
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EcosystemsFeces in termites’ nests block biological pest control
Built-in poop nourishes bacteria that protect notorious Formosan species.
By Susan Milius -
TechVitamin stops static electricity
Clearing out uncharged molecules may prevent charge buildup.
By Meghan Rosen -
Planetary ScienceMars rover fails to find methane
A dearth of the gas in the Red Planet's atmosphere disappoints scientists looking for signs of biological activity.
By Erin Wayman -
AnimalsTiger, lion and domestic cat genes not so different
Genomes of big felines provide insight into their evolution.
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PsychologyPoker pros’ arms betray their hands
Top players' arm motions when betting provide clues to whether or not they hold strong cards.
By Bruce Bower -
TechBacterial batteries get a solid boost
Using microbes to harvest energy from wastewater now has a silver lining, with the metal making reliable, rechargeable batteries.
By Beth Mole -
EarthHot spot deep beneath North America could have triggered quakes
Mantle plume might have left trail of hot rock under continental US.
By Erin Wayman -
GeneticsGenes for body symmetry may also control handedness
Lefties and righties can thank same genes that put hearts on left side for hand dominance, study of thousands of people’s DNA suggests.
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PsychologyBad acts spark a ‘cheater’s high’
Committing low-stakes acts of dishonesty enhances perpetrators’ moods.
By Bruce Bower -
EarthBuried Saharan rivers might have been early expressways
Humans might have migrated across the arid region along three once-lush waterways.
By Erin Wayman -
PhysicsNotorious ‘Big G’ gets a little larger
Gravitational constant is difficult to measure, but physicists calculate with new number.
By Meghan Rosen -
AnimalsYoung insect legs have real meshing gears
Tiny teeth on hiplike structures keep legs in sync, allowing juvenile planthoppers to jump.
By Susan Milius