Natural Sciences
The natural sciences seek to understand the universe by studying its physical, chemical and biological processes
Why Are Our Brains Wrinkly?
Brain wrinkles naturally develop as the brain gets larger in order to lend more surface area and help white matter fibers avoid long stretches
February 28, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
In 1989, Life Magazine Said Goodbye To Video Stores, Mailmen and Pennies…
In 1989, Life magazine predicted that, by the year 2000, many staples of modern American life might find themselves on the scrapheap of history
February 27, 2013 |
By Matt Novak
Canadian Government Winds Down Research That Could Help Stop Climate Change
If carbon dioxide emissions don't start dropping in the next few decades, we're looking at hundreds of years of high temperatures
February 27, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Why Do We Care Whether Animals Appreciate Our Art?
In a recent study, researchers put seven Java Sparrows in a cage with a bunch of artwork and watched them to see which ones they preferred
February 27, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Lighting Up the Arctic Sky With Artificial Aurorae
The U.S. military's Naval Research Lab teamed up with university researchers and defense contractors to set the atmosphere aglow
February 27, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
This Is Your Brain on Movies
Innerscope Research recently did a study claiming that by looking at viewers "emotional engagement threshold" during a trailer, they can predict just how well it will do at the box office. But neuroscience isn't that easy
February 27, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Why Do Big Dogs Die Younger?
According to new research, it's because they age faster
February 27, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Too Little Sleep Can Really Mess Our Bodies Up
People who sleep normally have around 1,800 functioning genes, but the sleep deprived lose around 400 of these
February 26, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Investigation: China Covertly Condones Trade in Tiger Skins and Bones
The Chinese government says it is committed to saving tigers from extinction, yet it legalized trade in captive-bred big cats' skin and bones
February 26, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
How to Survive China’s Pollution Problem: Masks and Bubbles
The air quality in China's biggest cities is famously atrocious, but designers think they may have found a way to combat the issue
February 26, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
The Red Planet Is Only Red on the Outside
A rusty sheen turns Mars red, but beneath the rock is a plain gray
February 26, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Snakes in a Frame: Mark Laita’s Stunning Photographs of Slithering Beasts
In his new book, Serpentine, Mark Laita captures the colors, textures and sinuous forms of a variety of snake species
February 26, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
William Shatner Hijacks Contest to Name Pluto’s Moon
For the Vulcan home world, or the Roman god of fire, Pluto's new moon may soon be named Vulcan
February 26, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Don’t Believe the Guy Who Claims He’s Descended From Vikings
The good news is that you can probably claim Viking or whatever other heritage of choice you prefer and have a good chance of hitting the mark—without forking over $200
February 26, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
China Acknowledges It Has a Problem With Pollution-Laden ‘Cancer Villages’
This is most likely the first that authorities dubbed pollution-laden problem locations "cancer villages" in an official report
February 26, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Chemicals in Water May Be Messing With Otters’ Sexual Mojo
Scientists examined hundreds of otters to arrive at these grim findings
February 25, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Prehistoric Humans Had Better Teeth Than We Do
We have straighter teeth, whiter teeth, more beautiful, shimmery teeth than our parents. But it turns out that we actually have less healthy teeth than our ancestors
February 25, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Could a Whale Accidentally Swallow You? It Is Possible
Whale sharks probably can't fit you down their esophagus, but mariners claim that sperm whales have swallowed people in the past
February 25, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Bullying Really Does Mess You Up Later in Life
A recent study linked bullying during childhood to higher instances of psychological disorders
February 25, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Climate Change is Reducing Our Ability to Get Work Done
Increased temperature and humidity have already limited humankind's overall capacity for physical work—and it will only get worse in the future
February 25, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
