Nature
Nature, or the natural world, encompasses the behavior and physiology of animals, plants and minerals
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
What Will They Do With The Body of a Beached Whale in Queens?
Rescuers, locals and conservationists have been trying to figure out just what to with the body of a fin whale that died in Queens on Thursday
December 28, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
The Irish Used to Celebrate The Day After Christmas by Killing Wrens
If you've ever wanted to celebrate the day after christmas by hunting down a small bird and tying it to the top of a pole, move to Ireland
December 26, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Just Before Sealing the Deal, Male Peacocks Announce to All Other Ladies ‘We’re About to Do It’
Called a "hoot-dash" display, scientists puzzle over the purpose of this seemingly braggadocios bellow
December 26, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Why Do We Blink So Frequently?
New research indicates that the brain enters a momentary state of wakeful rest when we blink, perhaps allowing us to focus better afterward
December 24, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Was Yasser Arafat Poisoned by Polonium?
In November, the body of Yasser Arafat was exhumed from beneath several feet of concrete to determine whether or not the leader had been poisoned by polonium 210
December 24, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
A Twinkling Christmas Tree, Powered by…an Electric Eel?
A Utah aquarium uses the charges emitted by an electric eel to trigger the lights on a nearby tree
December 24, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
One Spider Genus Has Species Named for Star Wars Monsters, U2, Cesar Chavez and Obama
The discovery of 33 new trapdoor spider species in the U.S. Southwest kicked off a celebrity species-naming throw down
December 24, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Most Arctic Animals Should Deal With Climate Change Just Fine
New research suggests that most Arctic mammals will actually be helped, not hurt, by climate change
December 21, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Marijuana Isn’t a Pain Killer—It’s a Pain Distracter
A new study finds that under the influence of marijuana, the same levels of pain are simply less bothersome
December 20, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Spider Builds Fake Spider Decoy
The new spider, thought to be a member of the genus Cyclosa, might build these decoys as part of a defense mechanism to confuse or distract predators
December 20, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Where’s Rudolph? Inside the Decline of Alaska’s Caribou
The antlered herd’s population is declining – what’s going on in the Alaskan wilderness?
December 20, 2012 |
By Molly Loomis
The Sustainable Meat of the Future: Mealworms?
Mealworms might seem unpalatable to many, but a new study indicates that they might be the climate-friendly protein alternative of the future
December 19, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
‘In Cold Blood’ Killers Exhumed
Richard Hickock and Perry Smith's bodies were exhumed yesterday, as part of an investigation into four murders committed in Florida in 1959
December 19, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
In Vigil for Newtown Victims, Video Gamers Will Put Down Their Weapons
On Friday, December 21st, a day of cease fire for online shooters
December 19, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
