Natural Sciences
The natural sciences seek to understand the universe by studying its physical, chemical and biological processes
Why a Simple Message—Fat Is Bad—Is Failing
Extra pounds are extra years off your life, we hear. But the science isn't so sure about that
May 22, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Western U.S. Forest Fires Could Double Within 40 Years
In the western U.S., the area burned by forest fires should increase by as much as 100% by 2050
May 22, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Don’t Call Female Desire Drugs ‘Lady Viagra’
Other than their intended purpose—encouraging sexual activity—female desire drugs and Viagra are completely different things
May 22, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Dentists Discovered the Tooth-Saving Properties of Fluoride by Accident
This is the fourth time Portland has voted on fluoride, and it certainly won't be the last
May 22, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Like Your Mother Warned, Chilly Winter Air Does Indeed Promote Colds
Colds proliferate when temperatures drop and cold air chills peoples' upper respiratory tracts, giving rhinoviruses a chance to strike
May 22, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Heinrich Rohrer, Father of Nanotechnology, Dies at 79
Heinrich Rohrer, winner of the 1986 Nobel Prize in Physics, passed away last week at the age of 79
May 22, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Internet Is Still for Porn—And Parents Are Trying to Figure Out How to Handle That
Welcome to the internet, there will be porn, are you ready for it?
May 21, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Bears That Have No Fish to Eat Eat Baby Elk Instead
The illegal introduction of lake trout in Yellowstone's lakes is having wide-reaching consequences
May 21, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
FDA Sticks Its Nose Into Fecal Transplant Procedures
The new regulations may kick off a wave of do-it-yourself fecal transplants at home, which likely will not turn out well
May 21, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Stressing Out About Shots Might Make Them Work Better
In trials with mice, stress boosted the immune system, making it vaccines more effective
May 21, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Princeton University Celebrates the Art of Science
In a new exhibition, the university showcases 43 images rooted in scientific research that force viewers to contemplate the definition of art
May 21, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
How Puking Could Save the Endangered Marbled Murrelet
For the marbled murrelet the conservation plan is a little unusual: making their predators vomit
May 21, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
How to Understand the Scale of the Oklahoma Tornado
In terms of size, speed and staying power the Oklahoma tornado was a force of nature
May 20, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Wealthy Economic Liberals Actually Are Wimps
In the animal kingdom, larger males are likewise prone to hoard resources and defend larger territories than weaker competitors
May 20, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Specially-Trained Honeybees Forage for Land Mines
With special training, these honeybees can sniff out TNT
May 20, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
You Actually Can Die of a Broken Heart
The stress of loss can actually break your heart, a rare type of heart attack known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
May 20, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Your Public Pool Probably Has Feces in It
In the majority of public pools health officials found E. coli and other fecal bacteria
May 20, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Elizabeth Cottrell
Director of Smithsonian's Global Volcanism Program
May 20, 2013 |
By Smithsonian Magazine's "Future Is Here" Conference
Justin Kasper
Solar Astrophysicist at Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
May 20, 2013 |
By Smithsonian Magazine's "Future Is Here" Conference
