Science & Society
Max Planck, originator of quantum theory, tormented by war and personal loss
A biography by physicist Brandon Brown illuminates the personal struggles of the physics pioneer.
Reviews & Previews
Science Visualized
Life
Twisty chains of proteins keep cells oriented
The counterclockwise twist of protein fibers jutting out from the edge of human cells allow the cells to distinguish right from left.
Notebook
Paleontology
Oldest known avian relative of today’s birds found in China
Fossil find suggests modern birds’ oldest avian relative lived about 6 million years before previous record holder.
Features
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Rendezvous with Pluto
Earth will get its first good look at Pluto and its five known moons when New Horizons sails past on July 14.
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Rehab for psychopaths
Psychopaths often don’t fit movie stereotypes, but they share particular characteristics. New research shows that, contrary to popular thought, cognitive behavioral therapy can help some psychopaths stay out of prison.
More Stories from the June 27, 2015 issue
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ChemistryFingerprints give away more than identity
Scientists can now detect and measure the amount of illegal drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, on a lone fingerprint.
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AstronomyPeeks into early life of supernovas show how to blow up a star
Multiple supernovas show off some of the ways a star can explode.
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AnimalsOctopuses can ‘see’ with their skin
Eyes aren’t the only cephalopod body parts with light-catching molecules.
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GeneticsMutations that drive cancer lurk in healthy skin
Healthy tissue carries mutations that drive cancer, samples of normal skin cells show.
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EnvironmentRising dolphin deaths linked to Deepwater Horizon spill
Lung lesions and other injuries link an extensive die-off of dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
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GeneticsA billion years of evolution doesn’t change some genes
Human genes can substitute for 47 percent of essential genes in baker’s yeast, new research shows.
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NeuroscienceNo-pain gene discovered
Scientists have identified a new genetic culprit for the inability to perceive pain.
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Health & MedicineEbola gatekeeper protein identified
Ebola’s ability to infect appears to depend on a key transport protein that guides the virus into cells.
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HumansFossils suggest another hominid species lived near Lucy
Fossil jaws dating to over 3 million years ago may add a new species to the ancient hominid mix.
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AnthropologyDouble blow to skull is earliest evidence of murder, a 430,000-year-old whodunit
A 430,000-year-old hominid skull shows signs of murder, making it the earliest suspected homicide.
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PaleontologyDino eggs came in different colors
Dinosaur eggs came in bold shades of blue-green and brown-speckled blue.
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NeuroscienceCerebellum may be site of creative spark
Brain scan experiment hints that cerebellum might have a hand in getting creative juices flowing.
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ClimateTitanic typhoons are in the forecast
Warming subsurface water in the Pacific will boost average typhoon intensity 14 percent by 2100, new research predicts.
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EarthEruptions create new islands in the Red Sea
Satellite maps reveal the formation of two new volcanic islands in the Red Sea.
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Particle PhysicsLHC set to see beyond Higgs
Physicists hope a revamped Large Hadron Collider will discover new particles and forces that could help explain dark matter and other mysteries of the universe.
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ClimateGlobal warming ‘hiatus’ just an artifact, study finds
Skewed data may have caused the appearance of the recent global warming hiatus, new research suggests.
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AnimalsPigs don’t deserve the name ‘Lesser Beasts’
From ancient forests to modern farms, pigs’ relationship with humans has been symbiotic.
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AnimalsHow a trap-jaw ant carries a baby
Powerful jaws make the Odontomachus brunneus ant a skilled escape artist.
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Science & SocietyTech in the classroom foreseen 50 years ago
Fifty years ago, scientists were looking forward to technology in the classroom.
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ClimateEverest could lose most of its ice by the end of the century
Glaciers around Mt. Everest will lost most of their ice by the end of the century, new research predicts.
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