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Planetary Science

The ghosts of nearly two dozen icy volcanoes haunt dwarf planet Ceres

The slumped remains of 21 ice volcanoes suggest that the dwarf planet Ceres has been volcanically active for billions of years.

Health & Medicine

Here’s how many U.S. kids are vaping marijuana

A new study suggests that nearly 1 in 11 middle and high school students in the United States has vaped marijuana, raising concerns about addiction.

Genetics

A recount of human genes ups the number to at least 46,831

A new estimate of the number of human genes adds in some RNA-producing genes.

Ecosystems

Confused mayflies wreak havoc on a Pennsylvania bridge

Cleaning a river in central Pennsylvania brought back mayflies, which now pose a threat to motorists crossing a bridge.

Physics

Nuclear pasta in neutron stars may be the strongest material in the universe

Simulations suggest that the theoretical substance known as nuclear pasta is 10 billion times as strong as steel.

Animals

‘Poached’ offers a deep, disturbing look into the illegal wildlife trade

In ‘Poached,’ a journalist reports from the front lines of the illegal wildlife trade and shows how conservationists are fighting back.

Climate

Here’s how climate change is fueling Hurricane Florence

Scientists take a stab at predicting climate change’s influence on Hurricane Florence.

Earth

A new map reveals the causes of forest loss worldwide

A new study shows where global forest loss is due to permanent deforestation versus short-term shifts in land use.

Tech

This flying robot could reveal secrets of the aerial world of insects

A new winged robot with the exceptional agility of a fruit fly could lend insight into animal flight.

Neuroscience

Brain features may reveal if placebo pills could treat chronic pain

Researchers narrow in on how to identify people who find placebos effective for treating persistent pain.

Earth

Sea level rise doesn’t necessarily spell doom for coastal wetlands

Wetlands can survive and even thrive despite rising sea levels — if humans give them room to grow.

Anthropology

Butchered bird bones put humans in Madagascar 10,500 years ago

Humans reached the island near Africa 6,000 years earlier than thought, raising questions about how its megafauna went extinct.