Save the Amazon, Increase Malaria
People in Brazil living close to forests are 25 times more likely to catch malaria than those living near places where all the trees have been cut down
Want to Revolutionize Energy? Improve the Battery
Better energy storage could transform electric vehicles and the power grid, and help the climate
Doctors Use a Dissolvable 3D-Printed Tracheal Splint to Save a
An infant’s collapsing airway now has a device holding it open; as his tissue strengthens, the splint will be absorbed into his body
One Day Your Phone Will Know If You’re Happy or Sad
By analyzing every tiny facial gesture, voice inflection or even how quickly we tap out a text message, devices are getting good at reading our emotions
Once in a Blue Moon and Other Idioms That Don’t Make Scientific Sense
From “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” to “hard as nails,” several sayings just don’t pass scientific scrutiny
How Astronaut Sally Ride Opened Science’s Doors to Women
A panel discusses the first American woman in space’s lasting legacy and the challenges still to be overcome for gender equality in the sciences
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
Scientists Finally Pinpoint the Pathogen That Caused the Irish Potato Famine
DNA analysis of 166-year-old potato plant leaves has revealed the disease strain that caused the starvation of millions
Why You Like What You Like
Researchers are cooking up experiments to learn what might explain which foods we love and which foods we hate
Earth & Sky Photo Contest Winners 2013
These award-winning photos, chosen from submissions by photographers in 45 countries, reveal the natural beauty of the night sky
How Edwin Hubble Became the 20th Century’s Greatest Astronomer
The young scientist demolished the old guard’s ideas on the nature and size of the universe
Buzz Aldrin on Why We Should Go to Mars
The Apollo 11 astronaut who walked on the moon dreams of a future where Americans are the first to walk on Mars
Endangered Ocean Creatures Beyond the Cute and Cuddly
Marine species threatened with extinction aren’t just whales, seals and turtles—they include fish, corals, mollusks, birds, and a lone seagrass
Can Brain Scans Really Tell Us What Makes Something Beautiful?
Some scientists think we’ll be able to define great art by analyzing our brains when we see or hear it. Critics say don’t hold your breath
Earthworms in Your Garden May Help Prevent Invasive Slugs from Devouring Plants
In the lab, the presence of earthworms can reduce the number of leaves damaged by slugs by 60 percent, a new study finds
Why the Endangered Species Act Is Broken, and How to Fix It
On the landmark species-saving law’s 40th anniversary, environmental historian Peter Alagona explains why it doesn’t work and offers a path toward recovery
Amazing Sea Butterflies Are the Ocean’s Canary in the Coal Mine
These delicate and stunning creatures are offering Smithsonian scientists a warning sign for the world’s waters turning more acidic
Solving an Alligator Mystery May Help Humans Regrow Lost Teeth
A gator can replace all of its teeth up to 50 times—learning what triggers these new teeth to grow may someday keep us from needing dentures
Leaproaches, Mutant Butterflies and Other Insect News That the 17-Year Cicadas Missed
Since 1996, scientists have found the oldest fossil insect, the largest living bug, a new taxonomic order and more
Macoto Murayama’s Intricate Blueprints of Flowers
The Japanese artist depicts blossoms from various plant species in fastidious detail
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