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Editors' Picks

Obesity Could Be the True Killer for Football Players

Head injuries have received much deserved attention in the news, but there’s a 350-pound problem that few are discussing

A Lucky Two Percent of People Have a Gene for Stink-Free Armpits

But a new study finds most of them still use deodorant

Beatboxing, as Seen Through Scientific Images

To see exactly how certain sound effects are humanly possible, a team of University of Southern California researchers took MRI scans of a beatboxer in action

Science Beats

Discovered: The Molecule Responsible for Itchiness

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

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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

We find different pitches attractive because of the body size they signal—and a touch of breathiness is crucial to take the edge off deep voices in men
April 24, 2013 | By Joseph Stromberg

Flamingos, shrimp and many other animals use chemical compounds found in their diets to color their exteriors
April 24, 2013 | By Marina Koren

It's right up there with food, sex and drugs when its comes to stirring up pleasure responses in our brains.
April 24, 2013 | By Randy Rieland

Research conducted in six U.S. cities shows a connection between prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter in the air and a faster hardening of the arteries
April 23, 2013 | By Claire Martin

To help anticipate the next outbreak of an emerging infectious disease, scientists scrutinize our closest relatives in the animal kingdom
April 22, 2013 | By Rachel Nuwer

The new technology promises a factory in every home—and a whole lot more
May 2013 | By Elizabeth Royte

Scientists are just now beginning to recognize the importance of the vast community of microbes that dwells inside us

May 2013 | By Richard Conniff

Vitamin D deficiency from lack of sunlight could be an unexpected long-term consequence of the Iranian revolution

May 2013 | By Libby Copeland

From a fish's dyed nerves to vapor strewn across the planet, images submitted to a contest at the university offer new perspectives of the natural world
April 19, 2013 | By Megan Gambino

Fujiko Nakaya works with an unusual medium. The Japanese artist is sculpting fog clouds at the Exploratorium's new site at Pier 15
April 17, 2013 | By Aleta George

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