Natural Sciences
The natural sciences seek to understand the universe by studying its physical, chemical and biological processes
Why Do Backrubs Hurt So Good?
Why are back rubs so great? Why aren't we all crazy for stomach rubs, or ankle rubs?
March 07, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Female Butterflies Can Sniff Out Inbred Males
Unlike in humans, butterfly females can actually distinguish between inbred and outbred males by their scent
March 07, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
2012 Saw the Second Highest Carbon Emissions in Half a Century
For more than 50 years observations from Hawaii have tracked rising carbon dioxide. We're still ignoring those warnings
March 07, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
A Plague of Locusts Descends Upon the Holy Land, Just in Time for Passover
Israel battles a swarm of millions of locusts that flew from Egypt that is giving rise to a host of ecological, political and agricultural issues
March 06, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Behold, The First Full Map of Mercury
"Every square meter of Mercury's surface" in one gorgeous map
March 06, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Fake Bishop Tries to Crash Pope-Choosing Party
An impostor bishop crashes important papacy-related meeting
March 06, 2013 |
By Angela Serratore
Some Insect Wings Are Natural Antibiotics
Dotted with tiny spikes, this cicada's wings are naturally antibiotic
March 06, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
2000-Pound Camels Used to Live in the Arctic
Living in the forest alongside bears and beavers, the ancient Canadian Arctic camel
March 06, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
How to Make a Sandwich in Space
Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield has been described as "the International Space Station's ambassador to the internet." Now, he's showing you how to make a sandwich, in space
March 06, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
That’s Some Pig!
An Iowa farmer's quest to breed the perfect pig
March 05, 2013 |
By Angela Serratore
The U.S. And Russia Agree on One Thing: They Want to Save Polar Bears
In a rare moment of partnership, the U.S. and Russia are trying to join together to save the polar bear
March 05, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Buy a Handbag, Burn a Forest
Brazilian deforestation is tied to producers of luxury Italian leather goods
March 05, 2013 |
By Angela Serratore
From Wyoming to Mexico, A Beautiful Time-Lapse Trip Down the Colorado River
A time lapsed kayak trip down the Colorado River
March 05, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Climate Change Could Allow Ships to Cross the North Pole by 2040
Melting sea ice will open up shipping lanes across the Arctic, potentially making the Northwest Passage and North Pole navigable during summer
March 04, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Animals Can Help Kids With Autism More Than Toys Can
Recently, researchers explored the potential for therapy animals to help kids with autism, and found that they were more effective than toys
March 04, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
This Might Be Why People Don’t Move Away From Tornado Zones
Living through a tornado doesn't change our optimism about our chances of injury compared to other people
March 04, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Being a Soccer Fan Can Actually Kill You
During the 2006 World Cup watching a soccer game doubled the risk of a heart attack in German fans
March 04, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
The American Bumblebee Is Crashing, Too
Colony Collapse Disorder targets honey bees. But now American bumblebees are missing, too
March 04, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Mississippi Baby Might Have Been Cured of HIV
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University say they have cured a baby of HIV using standard HIV drugs very early in life
March 04, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Trapped as Climate Changes, Giant Gusts of Hot Air Trigger Weather Extremes
Thanks to global warming, hot air piles up at mid-latitudes and causes storms and heat waves to linger for long stretches of time, new research shows.
March 02, 2013 |
By Claire Martin
