Natural Sciences
The natural sciences seek to understand the universe by studying its physical, chemical and biological processes
Is the U.N. Climate Report More Trouble Than It’s Worth?
Several mainstream scientists are expressing doubts about the necessity of the IPCC reports
December 18, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
A Brand New Bee Was Just Named After Sheldon From ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Andre Nemesio and his team just named a brand new orchid bee Euglossa bazinga, after the catch phrase used by Sheldon Cooper on the television show, The Big Bang
December 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Not Even Canadians Are Likely To Get a White Christmas This Year
The odds of a white Christmas has dropped 15% in recent decades
December 17, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Soon There Should Be Fewer Microscopic Soot Particles in the Air
The Obama administration just set new limits on soot from smoke stacks and diesel engines, a type of air pollution linked to early death and higher rates of heart attacks, strokes and lung diseases
December 17, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Even Mummy Doctors Forgot Tools in Their Patients Sometimes
Researchers examining the brains of mummies have found a small tool that was used during embalming, left behind after the procedure
December 17, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Climate Change Tipping Point: Research Shows That Emission Reductions Must Occur by 2020
A new report indicates that we have roughly 8 years to cut fossil fuel use without risking catastrophic levels of warming
December 16, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Christmas Tree Worm, Decorating Coral Reefs Year-Round
The oceans show holiday spirit with a worm on coral reefs that resembles a fluffy fir tree adorned with colored ornaments.
December 14, 2012 |
By Emily Frost
Mythical Particles, Goldilocks Planets and More: Top 5 Surprising Scientific Milestones of 2012
From the Higgs Boson to the Curiosity rover, 2012 was a major year for science
December 14, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Most Exciting (and Frustrating) Stories From This Year in Dinosaurs
From feathers to black market fossil controversies, 2012 was a big year for dinosaurs
December 14, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
To Treat Drug Dependency, Doctors Are Burning Off Chunks of Addicts’ Brains
Through surgical means, doctors burn away the parts of the brain that deal with pleasure and motivation.
December 14, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The Persistence of Memory in Mice
A new study shows that female mice who smell pheromones in potential mates' urine will constantly return to the site of exposure even weeks later
December 13, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
You Can Come Out of Your House Now: Google Maps Is Back on the iPhone
The world can stop freaking out now - Google Maps is back on your iPhone
December 13, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
From Golf Courses to Petting Zoos, Dinosaurs Get in the Way
Recently unveiled dinosaur sculptures are frustrating eyesores to some and tourist attractions to others
December 13, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Hunt for African Wildlife From Your Computer
A new citizen science project lets you in to the beautiful world of Serengeti National Park
December 12, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Your Christmas Tree Helps Fight Climate Change
The key for trapping carbon lies in the soil, rather than the trees.
December 12, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
This Meteor Shower Is So New It Doesn’t Even Have a Name
For the first time, debris from the comet Wirtanen may cross paths with the Earth
December 12, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Did Early Dinosaurs Burrow?
Were enigmatic, 230-million-year-old burrows created by dinosaurs?
December 12, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Flower Power, Redefined
In a new book, Andrew Zuckerman embraces minimalism, capturing 150 colorful blooms on white backdrops
December 12, 2012 |
By Ryan Reed
A New Way to Generate Brain Cells from Pee
This trick could help supply cells for studying the mechanisms of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
December 11, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
This Is Probably the World’s Most Beautiful Seismograph
Using different colors of paint and a map of Christchurch, this machine lays down beautiful portraits of New Zealand's deadly earthquakes
December 11, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
