Natural Sciences
The natural sciences seek to understand the universe by studying its physical, chemical and biological processes
The Smithsonian Heads to Hawaii
Coral reefs and radio telescopes make a trip to the tropics more than worthwhile
January 2013 |
By G. Wayne Clough, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution
The Secrets of Earth’s History May Be in Its Caves
An underground scientist is pioneering a new way to learn what the climate was like thousands of years ago
January 2013 |
By J. Madeleine Nash
How Scientists Are Recreating a Mating Call Last Heard in the Jurassic Period
Preserved in stone, a set of ancient insect wings are “chirping” once again thanks to the work of entomologists
January 2013 |
By Brian Switek
Will We Be Able to Prevent an Asteroid Strike and More Questions From Our Readers
Does lightning strike ships at sea and why does American English differ from British English?
January 2013 |
By Smithsonian Magazine
Can Your Genes Predict When You Will Die?
New research suggests we can defy genetic destiny
January 2013 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Your Alarm Clock May Be Hazardous to Your Health
Switching up your sleep schedule is wreaking havoc on your body’s natural rhythm
January 2013 |
By Claudia Kalb
PHOTOS: Getting Ready for the World’s Largest Radio Telescope
In Chile’s Atacama Desert, astronomers are preparing for a new array that will stretch across 10 miles
January 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Some People Can Tickle Themselves
Just as schizophrenics may hear voices in their heads, they may also experience self-induced phantom tickling
December 31, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
This School Is Getting Girls Into Physics
The gap between boys and girls in math and engineering seems to start early and continue through college. But one school in the UK is trying to buck that trend
December 31, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Adam Lanza’s DNA Will Tell Us Nothing
Genetics is a powerful tool, but it will not tell us why Adam Lanza killed those people
December 31, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Remember These Titans of Science Who Died in 2012
From the inventor of the barcode to the discoverer of how cancer spreads, we take a look at the brilliant minds who shaped our culture and modern way of life
December 29, 2012 |
By Mohi Kumar
Genetically Modified Salmon Should Be Headed to a Plate Near You
Designed to bulk up twice as fast as a regular fish, Frankenfish should get FDA approval soon
December 28, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
It’s Not Safe for Turtles to Cross the Road, Humans Make Sure of That
Some motorists go out of their way to hit turtles that are trying to cross the road
December 28, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Seven Must-See Art-Meets-Science Exhibitions in 2013
Preview some of the top-notch shows—on anatomy, bioluminescence, water tanks and more—slated for the next year
December 28, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
5 Science Stories to Watch in 2013
The new year could feature discoveries of life within subglacial Antarctic lakes, the brightest comet in generations and more
December 28, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
This Is What the End of All Time Looks Like
Feel like having your tiny human mind blown? Check out predictions for the next 10^10^10^76.66 years
December 28, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Antarctica’s Subglacial Lake Ellsworth Will Keep Its Secrets For Now
After a decade of planning, and two weeks in the field, the Lake Ellsworth drilling program was cancelled for the year
December 27, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Some of the Geekiest Practical Jokes Ever
There is little more powerful than a nerd on a mission
December 27, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Canada And the United States Are Bickering Over Ownership of a Tiny Island
A tiny island with little more than a lighthouse and some puffins is the center of a border disagreement
December 26, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
