Natural Sciences
The natural sciences seek to understand the universe by studying its physical, chemical and biological processes
Venus Fly Traps Glow Blue to Attract Their Prey
By emitting a faint blue glow, venus flytraps better attract their next meal
February 20, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
No Salt, No Problem: One Woman’s Life-or-Death Quest to Make “Bland” Food Delicious
The more salt we eat, the more we crave. This new approach to less-salty cooking might help you step off the treadmill
February 19, 2013 |
By Twilight Greenaway
Researchers Treat Sinusitis the Same Way They Clean Ships
Yes, researchers think about your nose like a dirty ship hull that needs cleaning. But it does seem to work
February 19, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Geneticists Think They Can Fix Tasteless Tomatoes
By identifying the genes that control the production of volatile chemicals, we could soon turn the bland tomato's flavor back on
February 19, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Nuclear Bombs Made It Possible to Carbon Date Human Tissue
The fallout of the nuclear bomb era is still alive today - in our muscles
February 19, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Europe Is Warmer Than Canada Because of the Gulf Stream, Right? Not So Fast
A long-accepted explanation for a warm Europe is up for debate
February 18, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
In Space, Infectious Diseases Reveal Their True Nature
It turns out that microgravity might reveal a thing or two about the nasty bacteria
February 18, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Saving Top Predators Could Have a Climate Change Benefit, Too
Through their effect on the food web, shifting predator populations can change greenhouse gas levels
February 18, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Chimpanzees Remember Things Faster Than You Do
Chimpanzees are several times stronger than us, generally healthier, and research suggests that they might have better memories too
February 18, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Parched Middle East Faces Severe Water Crisis
Drought and over-pumping has led to groundwater losses in the Middle East that equal almost the entire volume of the Dead Sea, a new study shows.
February 15, 2013 |
By Claire Martin
Newly Approved Retinal Implants Can Help Blind People See
The first retinal implants ever approved for use in the U.S. could help with a certain type of blindness
February 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
The Last Massive Exploding Meteor Hit Earth in 1908, Leveling 800 Square Miles of Forest
In 1908, a meteor exploding in mid-air released the energy equivalent to "185 Hiroshima bombs"
February 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Water Never Goes Bad, So Why Does It Need a Expiration Date?
Really, you shouldn't be worried about the water, but about the bottle.
February 15, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Climate Change’s Latest Victim: Canada’s Outdoor Ice Rinks
A new project asks citizens to monitor their backyard rinks, helping to track how a warming climate is affecting Canada's skating tradition
February 15, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Massive Meteor Breaks Up Over Russia, Sends Dozens to Hospital
The mid-air explosion of a 10-ton meteor injured more than 500 people
February 15, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
How Does McCormick Pick the Top Flavors of the Year?
Ten years ago, the spice company identified chipotle as a taste on the rise. They're back at it again with new predictions for 2013
February 15, 2013 |
By Marina Koren
Opera Fans Have an Advantage in Chemistry Class
Twenty-five different natural and synthetic chemical potions and poisons pop up in 20 different opera's plots
February 14, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
A Valentine for Sci-Art Lovers
A clever print by designer Jacqueline Schmidt pays homage to 12 different species with one thing in common—they mate for life
February 14, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Flushing Your Anti-Anxiety Pills Down the Toilet Could Affect the Behavior of Wild Fish
A study shows that wild perch are less fearful, eat faster and are more anti-social when exposed to a common pharmaceutical pollutant
February 14, 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Outrageous Taxidermy, the Subject of a New Show on AMC
Former Smithsonian taxidermist Paul Rhymer is a judge on "Immortalized," a TV competition that pits up-and-comers against superstars in the field
February 14, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
