Notebook

  1. Earth

    Whirlwinds of crystals called gravel devils spotted in Andes Mountains

    Large whirlwinds in northern Chile can carry gravel-sized gypsum crystals several kilometers before dumping them in mounds.

    By Thomas Sumner
  2. Health & Medicine

    50 years ago, contraception options focused on women

    Women have more birth control choices than they did 50 years ago. The same can’t be said for men.

    By Cassie Martin
  3. Materials Science

    Bone-inspired steel cracks less under pressure

    Steel that’s structured like bone resists cracks better that the traditional form of the heavy-duty building material.

    By Laurel Hamers
  4. Animals

    First fluorescent frogs might see each others’ glow

    A polka dot frog, the first known fluorescent amphibian, may get a visibility boost in twilight and moonlight.