Animals
‘Silent Sparks’ illuminates fascinating world of fireflies
In a new book, a firefly researcher explores why scientists and kids alike are captivated by lightning bugs.
Reviews & Previews
Science Visualized
Planetary Science
The 43-year history of journeys to Jupiter, in one graph
With the arrival of Juno, nine spacecraft will have flown past or orbited Jupiter over the last 43 years.
Notebook
Physics
The center of Earth is younger than the outer surface
Einstein’s general theory of relativity predicts the center of the Earth is two years younger than the crust.
Features
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Juno is closing in on Jupiter
After 5 years of travel, Juno will soon reach Jupiter and begin its up close investigations of the giant planet.
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Vaccines may offer defense against dengue, Zika and chikungunya
Mosquitoes carry several harmful viruses—dengue, Zika, chikungunya. Vaccines may be the best means of defense.
More Stories from the June 25, 2016 issue
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OceansAncient tsunamis reshaped Mars’ landscape
Ancient tsunamis generated by meteorite impacts may have reshaped ocean coastlines on Mars.
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NeuroscienceWiping out gut bacteria impairs brain
Antibiotics that wiped out gut bacteria curbed brain cell production in mice, a new study finds.
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GeneticsRisk identified in procedure for ‘three-parent babies’
Resurgent mitochondria could spell trouble for disease therapy.
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TechInsect-sized bot is first to both fly, land
A tiny aerial robot nicknamed RoboBee uses static electricity to perch on surfaces midflight. The landing device could one day help robots conserve energy during search and rescue missions.
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LifeScientists find way to break through bad bacteria’s defenses
Enzymes can break down bacterial biofilm’s sugary walls.
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AstronomyYoung sun’s super solar flares helped set early Earth up for life
Super solar flares may have provided early Earth with planet-warming and life-building molecules.
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Planetary ScienceSeismic experiment might reveal thickness of Europa’s ice
Crashing an empty rocket fuel tank into the surface of Jupiter’s icy moon, Europa, could help scientists figure out the thickness of the ice.
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ArchaeologyStone circles show Neandertals’ social, technical skills
Ancient human relatives built circular stalagmite structures inside a French cave.
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NeuroscienceAlzheimer’s culprit may fight other diseases
A notorious Alzheimer’s villain may help bust microbes.
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LifeFruit fly’s giant sperm is quite an exaggeration
Giant sperm, about 20 times a male fruit fly’s body length, could make the insects the champs of supersized sexual ornaments.
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Quantum PhysicsSchrödinger’s cat now dead and alive in two boxes at once
The living-dead feline has been split in two, using a system of microwaves inside superconducting cavities.
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ComputingNew technique produces real randomness
A new technique makes it easier for computers to roll the dice.
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EarthPlate tectonics just a stage in Earth’s life cycle
Plate tectonics is just a phase in a planet’s lifetime between conditions that are too hot or too cold for the planet-churning mechanism, new simulations suggest.
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LifeJumping gene turned peppered moths the color of soot
A single gene is behind some of the most famous examples of natural selection.
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AnimalsPygmy blue whales deepen their moans
Sri Lankan pygmy blue whales are tweaking their calls — making one part deeper and keeping another part the same — but scientists can’t say why. The finding injects a new wrinkle in theories about blue whale calls.
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PsychologyKids’ anxieties, depression need attention
Psychological troubles in childhood are no longer considered a part of normal development.
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PlantsScary tomato appears to bleed
A new species of Australian bush tomato bleeds when injured and turns bony in old age.
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ChemistryMovie viewers’ exhaled chemicals tell if scene is funny, scary
Changes in trace gases exhaled by movie audiences could point the way to a subtle form of human communication.
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LifeBiologists seek help to ‘see’ itty-bitty molecules in 3-D
A new citizen science project called Microscopy Masters aims to improve how scientists build three-dimensional models of proteins.
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GeneticsSome Stone Age humans ventured back to Africa
DNA from an ancient woman suggests some humans trekked back to Africa.
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AnimalsTiny plastics cause big problems for perch, lab study finds
Researchers have linked microplastics to feeding behavior changes and development issues in Baltic Sea perch.