Notebook

Neuroscience

‘Mommy brain’ doesn’t capture how the brain transforms during pregnancy

During the transition to motherhood, there's more going on than “momnesia,” neuroscientists argue. The brain changes to prep for the job of caregiving

Environment

Air pollution made an impression on Monet and other 19th century painters

The impressionist painting style can be partly explained by the reality of rising air pollution from the industrial revolution, an analysis finds.

Space

50 years ago, Earth’s chances of contacting E.T. looked slim

In 1973, a researcher calculated that it could take millions of years to contact aliens. But that hasn’t stopped scientists from trying.

Oceans

50 years ago, scientists discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

In 1973, plastic bottles adrift in the North Pacific alarmed scientists. Fifty years later, more than 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic litter the area.

Science & Society

Many plans for green infrastructure risk leaving vulnerable people out

Green infrastructure is one way to help combat climate hazards like flooding. But without equitable planning, only some communities will benefit.

Humans

50 years ago, scientists debated when humans first set foot in North America

In 1973, archaeologists debated when people first arrived in the Americas. Mounting evidence suggests its much earlier than they thought.

Life

A new metric of extinction risk considers how cultures care for species

Conservation efforts should consider relationships between cultural groups and the species important to them, researchers argue.

Chemistry

These chemists cracked the code to long-lasting Roman concrete

Roman concrete has stood the test of time, so scientists searched ruins to unlock the ancient recipe that could help architecture and climate change.

Genetics

50 years ago, scientists sequenced a gene for the first time

Within five decades, scientists went from sequencing a single gene to sequencing the entire human genome.

Space

Humans haven’t set foot on the moon in 50 years. That may soon change

In 1972, the era of crewed missions to the moon came to an end. Fifty years later, a new one has begun.

Health & Medicine

How much water should you drink a day? It depends on several factors.

A study of more than 5,000 people in 23 countries finds that individual water need varies widely depending on physical and environmental factors.

Physics

50 years ago, physicists found the speed of light

In the 1970s, scientists set a new maximum speed limit for light. Fifty years later, they continue putting light through its paces.