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Surprising Science

A digital rendering of Curiosity, set to land on Mars early Monday morning.

Curiosity, NASA’s Most Advanced Rover Yet, Is About to Land on Mars

The mobile laboratory will learn about the red planet’s climate and geology, hoping to determine whether it once could have supported life

Experiments show several natural herbs provide some protection from the sun.

Can Natural Herbs Protect Your Skin From the Sun?

A number of studies indicate that several herb extracts could protect against sunburn and other damage from UV light

Researchers discovered that simply smiling can reduce stress and increase well-being.

Simply Smiling Can Actually Reduce Stress

A new study indicates that the mere act of smiling can help us deal with stressful situations more easily

There are pros and cons to running barefoot.

Is Barefoot Running Really Better?

The science is mixed on whether running shoes or bare feet are the way to go

Climate change could produce an ozone hole over the U.S. similar to the one observed over Antarctica, above, in 2006.

Climate Change Could Erode Ozone Layer Over U.S.

New findings indicate that effects of climate change could increase ozone depletion, UV exposure and skin cancer

A newly developed compound temporarily restored sight in otherwise blind mice.

New Chemical Allows Blind Mice to See

A new synthetic replacement for rod and cone cells may someday bring vision to those with macular degeneration or inheritable forms of blindness

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NASA Successfully Tests Inflatable Heat Shield for Descending Spacecraft

A new type of heat shield, made of kevlar-woven fabric and an inflation system, survived a 288-mile descent to Earth

What Is the Nocebo Effect?

For some patients, the mere suggestion of side effects is enough to bring on negative symptoms

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Ocean Acidity Rivals Climate Change As Environmental Threat

Rising ocean acidity is now considered to be just as much of a formidable threat to the health of Earth’s environment as the atmospheric climate changes

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Should Pluto’s Planet Status Be Reinstated? Not Yet

Discovery of a fifth moon circling Pluto has some questioning where the “dwarf planet” category still applies to this faraway member of the Solar System

One of the snow leopard cubs discovered in Mongolia’s Tost Mountains.

First Ever Video of Wild Snow Leopard Mother and Cubs

Researchers came upon a wild snow leopard den in the Tost Mountains of Mongolia and captured a mother with cub on camera for the first time

A new study indicates the direction we look while speaking has nothing to do with whether we’re telling the truth.

Myth Busted: Looking Left or Right Doesn’t Indicate If You’re Lying

A psychological study has debunked the idea that the direction of a speaker’s eyes indicate lying or telling the truth

King penguins are the second largest species of penguin

King Penguins Stressed Out By Scientists And Tourists

The king penguins appear to be habituated to the presence of humans, but a new study finds that even limited human contact may be negatively affecting them

A rigorous experiment lent truth to the idea that hot drinks can help the body stay cool.

A Hot Drink on a Hot Day Can Cool You Down

A rigorous experiment revealed that on a hot, dry day, drinking a hot beverage can help your body stay cool

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The Fate(s) of Australia’s Mega-Mammals

A new device could force drivers to hang up their phones.

New RFID Device Could Jam Your Cell Phone While Your Car is Moving

A system developed by engineers in India automatically detects when a driver’s phone is in use and uses low-range mobile jammer to prevent calls and texts

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White-Nose Syndrome Kills Social Bats Most Frequently

Scientists have found that bat species that hibernate in clusters are more likely to be struck by the dreaded disease and may be at risk of extinction

Different types of chemicals packed inside fireworks are responsible for the variety of colors.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About the Science of Fireworks

These iconic symbols of Independence Day celebrations are also a marvel of modern science and engineering

Blum visited Facebook’s new data center in Prineville, Oregon, among other places.

Have You Ever Wondered How the Internet Works?

Andrew Blum, author of the new book “Tubes,” spent two years exploring the physical constructions around the world that enable the Internet to exist

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The DC Derecho of 2012

A devastating storm swept through Washington Friday night. By Saturday morning we were all left wondering, “what in the world had happened?”

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