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  1. Life

    Hummingbirds take stab at rivals with dagger-tipped bills

    Sharp points on the bills of male long-billed hermit hummingbirds may have evolved as weaponry.

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  2. Earth

    More multi-tornado days in the forecast for U.S.

    The number of days per year with tornadoes has gone down over the last few decades in the U.S., but the number of days that see 30 or more twisters is going up.

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  3. Psychology

    Mastering the art of self-control

    Walter Mischel, the psychologist behind the marshmallow test, discusses his new book on self-control and willpower.

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  4. Astronomy

    Rendezvous with a comet

    On November 12, Rosetta mission scientists successfully completed the first-ever attempt to put a lander on a comet. See all Science News coverage of Rosetta and Philae's voyage to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

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  5. Animals

    Remote-controlled rover doesn’t spook penguins

    Remote-controlled rovers get close to skittish penguins without bothering them; a chick disguise wins over the wariest birds.

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  6. Chemistry

    Chemist tackles complex problems with simplicity

    Harvard chemist George Whitesides applies his unique problem-solving philosophy to creating new diagnostic devices for the developing world.

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  7. Climate

    Melting ice forces walrus detour

    Warming temperatures and shrinking summer ice cover have forced the animals to seek solid ground during feeding season.

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  8. Planetary Science

    Water arrived on Earth earlier than thought

    Ancient meteorites from the asteroid Vesta indicate that Earth’s water was available before planet formed.

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  9. Psychology

    Rip-off victims prefer compensation to retribution

    But those acting on behalf of victims favor a punishment that fits the crime.

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  10. Neuroscience

    A species of invention

    From early humans painting on cave walls to modern-day engineers devising ways to help people move better, the drive to innovate is simply part of who humans are.

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  11. Microbes

    Feedback

    Readers shares stories about bacteria, discuss ancient volcanic eruptions and express a fondness for science-inspired art.

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  12. Neuroscience

    At-home brain stimulation gaining followers

    People are building at-home electric brain stimulators in hopes of becoming better gamers, problem solvers, and even to beat back depression.

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