Notebook

Tech

Self-driving cars see better with cameras that mimic mantis shrimp vision

A new type of camera that sees in polarized light across a wide range of light intensities could help make self-driving cars safer on the road.

Plants

50 years ago, a 550-year-old seed sprouted

Old seeds can sprout new plants even after centuries of dormancy.

Astronomy

We may not have found aliens yet because we’ve barely begun looking

A new calculation says SETI searches have combed the equivalent of a hot tub out of Earth’s oceans looking for extraterrestrial intelligence in space.

Animals

This new fish species displays a splash of highlighter hues

Researchers stumbled upon a new species of coral reef fish with spectacular coloration and a unique habitat.