Editors' Picks

Why You Like What You Like

Researchers are cooking up experiments to learn what might explain which foods we love and which foods we hate

Are Modern Football Helmets Any Safer than Old-School Leather Ones?

Recent testing shows that, contrary to prior findings, new plastic helmets reduce the risk of concussions by 45 to 96 percent

Creepy or Cool? Portraits Derived From the DNA in Hair and Gum Found in Public Places

Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg reconstructs the faces of strangers from genetic evidence she scavenges from the streets

Science Beats

This Castle’s Toilet Still Holds Parasites From Crusaders’ Feces

The presence of whipworm and roundworm eggs suggest that crusaders were especially predisposed to death by malnutrition
June 18, 2013 | By Rachel Nuwer

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Scientists keep finding reasons why fathers matter. They also think it's not a bad idea for dads to ask their kids, "How am I doing?"
June 14, 2013 | By Randy Rieland

Genetic information gathered from centuries-old exhumed bones reveals that the infection hasn't changed much in the past 1,000 years
June 13, 2013 | By Marina Koren

Languages that evolve at high elevations are more likely to include a sound that's easier to make when the air is thinner, new research shows
June 12, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

Emerging research indicates that low doses of the active chemical psilocybin, found in the fungi, can have positive psychiatric effects
June 10, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

A 120,000-year-old rib bone, originally found in Croatia, shows that tumors aren't always caused by exposure to pollution
June 05, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

A new device can read your brain patterns to steer a toy helicopter—the mere thought of clenching your right fist veers the chopper right
June 04, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

Ten years ago, scientists released a map of our genetic blueprint. But, as Eric D. Green explains, there are many more mysteries left to unravel
June 03, 2013 | By Elizabeth Quill

Around 50 percent of people who recently meditated gave up their seat for a person in crutches compared to just 15 percent of people who had not meditated
April 02, 2013 | By Rachel Nuwer

Among the new technology geared to preventive health care is a mobile app that tracks your social behavior and has been described as a human "check engine" light
May 30, 2013 | By Randy Rieland

A neurotransmitter called Nppb, we now know, plays a vital role in the sensation of an itch—and removing it can prevent itchiness entirely
May 23, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

An infant's collapsing airway now has a device holding it open; as his tissue strengthens, the splint will be absorbed into his body
May 22, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

By analyzing every tiny facial gesture, voice inflection or even how quickly we tap out a text message, devices are getting good at reading our emotions
May 22, 2013 | By Randy Rieland

Researchers are cooking up experiments to learn what might explain which foods we love and which foods we hate
May 2013 | By Tom Vanderbilt

Some scientists think we'll be able to define great art by analyzing our brains when we see or hear it. Critics say don't hold your breath
May 17, 2013 | By Randy Rieland

These delicate and stunning creatures are offering Smithsonian scientists a warning sign for the world's waters turning more acidic
May 14, 2013 | By Hannah Waters

A gator can replace all of its teeth up to 50 times--learning what triggers these new teeth to grow may someday keep us from needing dentures
May 13, 2013 | By Rachel Nuwer

Among then: They answer a lot of questions and their spit is good for us
May 10, 2013 | By Randy Rieland

Research shows that our brains have a specialized system to anticipate the location of moving objects, located in the visual cortex
May 08, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

Recent testing shows that, contrary to prior findings, new plastic helmets reduce the risk of concussions by 45 to 96 percent
May 07, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

From seaweed and beetles to lead and synthetic chemicals, lipstick has seen its share of strange—and dangerous—components
May 03, 2013 | By Marina Koren

Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborg reconstructs the faces of strangers from genetic evidence she scavenges from the streets
May 03, 2013 | By Megan Gambino

Scientists have found a way to slow the aging process. Unluckily for us, they've only been able to do it in mice
May 03, 2013 | By Randy Rieland

Our bodies convert asparagusic acid into sulfur-containing chemicals that stink—but some of us are spared from the pungent odor
May 03, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

Swedish researchers are developing a system that tests for 12 different drugs on your breath, including cocaine, marijuana and amphetamines
April 26, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

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