Natural Sciences
The natural sciences seek to understand the universe by studying its physical, chemical and biological processes
All Those Hours Inside Could Make You Nearsighted
Just being inside all the time might be creating a population full of nearsighted people
February 11, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
These Sneaky Toxins Are Slipping Past Food Regulators
Chemical mask-wearing mycotoxins can slip past screening techniques
February 08, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Photos of Starfish Up Close: What Are You Looking At?
A stunning look at starfish reveal beautiful patterns--but what exactly are those wormy structures, bald patches, and spiky maces?
February 08, 2013 |
By Hannah Waters
China’s Terracotta Warrior Army Is Deteriorating
If China doesn't take steps to better preserve the relics, they may eventually turn into dust
February 08, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
California’s Gender-Bending Fish Was Actually Just a Contamination Accident
Scientists thought male fish, exposed to artificial hormones, were growing eggs. They weren't
February 08, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Captive Sea Turtles Extract Their Revenge by Making Tourists Sick
Captive sea turtles in the Caymans can ruin a tourist's visit with a nasty dose of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites
February 08, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Can Birds Survive Climate Change?
Predicted increases in torrential rain and severe drought will force birds in Asia to relocate in search of food and viable habitat, a new study finds
February 08, 2013 |
By Claire Martin
Minnesota’s Moose Are Missing, And No One Really Knows Why
Disease? Warm summers? No one knows for sure what is leading to the moose's decline in this state
February 08, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
The Unsettling Beauty of Lethal Pathogens
British artist Luke Jerram's handblown glass sculptures show the visual complexity and delicacy of E. coli, swine flu, malaria and other killing agents
February 07, 2013 |
By Claire Tinsley
At 62, the Oldest Bird in the World Is Still Hatching Chicks
Wisdom the 62 year-old albatross just hatched what is thought to be her 30 to 35th chick
February 07, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
This Bionic Man, With Working Machine Organs, Is Pretty Much the Creepiest Thing Ever
With artificial limbs and organs, Rex is a vision of a bionic future
February 07, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Whooping Cough Is Making a Comeback, And This New Vaccine-Resistant Strain Won’t Help
Across the United States cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, are on the rise. Named for the “deep “whooping” sound [that] is often heard when the patient tries to take a breath,” says the U.S. National Library of Medicine, this bacterial infection can cause fever, difficulty breathing, and bouts of awful coughing that can last [...]
February 07, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
How to Sleep Like Salvador Dali
Dali felt as though sleep was a waste of time (so did Edison, and many other influential people) but science suggests that sleep is pretty important
February 07, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Salmon Swim Home Using Earth’s Magnetic Field as a GPS
Their intuitive sense of the magnetic field surrounding them allow sockeye salmon to circumnavigate obstacles to find their birth stream
February 07, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
Your Playlist Really Does Impact Your Workout
A slow jam won't get you through that third mile, and smooth jazz isn't going to kick that kickboxing workout up a notch. It's not just personal preference either - it's science
February 07, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Iditarod Is Being Threatened by Warm Temperatures
A lack of snow is affecting the annual Iditarod sled dog race
February 06, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
A Massive 8.0 Earthquake Hit the South Pacific Last Night
Huge magnitude 8.0 earthquakes are rare--but not as rare as you'd think
February 06, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Tour the Grand Canyon From Your Computer With Google Street View
Now, thanks to Google, you don't need a plane ticket or hiking boots to experience some of the Grand Canyon's geologic magic
February 06, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Year’s Most Outstanding Science Visualizations
A juried competition honors photographs, illustrations, videos, posters, games and apps that marry art and science in an evocative way
February 05, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Pick Your Poison: A Diet Mixer Could Make You Get Drunk Faster
The same amount of liquor causes a higher level of intoxication when mixed with diet soda instead of regular soda, a new study finds
February 05, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
