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Surprising Science

The system detects patients’ thoughts via an fMRI machine and translates these into specific letters.

New Mind-Reading Device Lets Paralyzed People Type

Using an fMRI machine and innovative software, researchers have figured out how to enable typing without moving a muscle

In a recent experiment, researchers used directed evolution to create enzymes that make silicon dioxide, used in semiconductors and computer chips.

Can Evolution Make the Next Generation of Computer Chips?

In a recent experiment, genetic mutation and artificial selection were harnessed to make semiconductors

Photinus pyralis, a species of firefly found in the eastern United States

14 Fun Facts About Fireflies

Fact number 3: In some places at some times, fireflies synchronize their flashing

A series of studies indicates that we can reinforce existing memories during deep sleep.

Experiments Show We Really Can Learn While We Sleep

Our minds are surprisingly active during deep sleep, capable of cementing memories we learned while awake

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What Give Cheetahs The Edge In a Race With Greyhounds

If you could put a wild cheetah up against a greyhound in a race, the cheetah would win, no problem. But why?

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Scientists Discover That Mars is Full of Water

Looking closely at a pair of meteorites originating from Mars, researchers now believe the planet likely holds vast reservoirs of water deep underground

The Turing test, a means of determining whether a computer possesses intelligence, requires it to trick a human into thinking it’s chatting with another person

Are You Chatting With a Human or a Computer?

Converse with some of the world’s most sophisticated artificial intelligence programs—and decide how human they seem

No one is going to Mars until scientists figure out how to shield travelers from deadly radiation.

Mission to Mars: The Radiation Problem

NASA wouldn’t opt to expose astronauts to a 19 percent increased risk of cancer, but there’s no telling what a reality TV show would do

The new reflected near-infrared technology (far right) revealed unseen details in frescoes from the Chapel of Theodelinda, near Milan.

New Technology Reveals Invisible Details in Renaissance Art

A team of Italian scientists has uses infrared light to detect artistic flourishes that are invisible to the naked eye

Flying foxes roost in the trees in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens in 2008.

Bats Lose Out to Historic Trees in Sydney

Flying foxes can defoliate trees, but should the Royal Botanic Garden shoo this vulnerable species from its grounds?

Steven Amstrup has studied polar bears in the arctic for decades and seen the impacts of climate change firsthand.

Interview With Indianapolis Prize Winner and Polar Bear Researcher Steven Amstrup

Recognized for his role in animal conservation, Amstrup explains what climate change is doing to the arctic and what he’s doing to stop it

Osprey Reef, one of five reefs that will have have full national park-level protection in Australia.

Australia Creates World’s Largest Marine Reserve Network

The plan will protect the Coral Sea as well as pygmy blue whale habitat off the southern coast of Western Australia

Computer models indicate that wildfires will become more frequent in temperate regions as the climate changes over the coming decades

Climate Change Means More Wildfires in the West

A new study indicates that temperate regions will experience more fires, while equatorial areas will see fewer

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Ultra Antifreeze Prevents Ice From Even Forming

A new nano-technology can be applied to metals and causes ice and frost to slide off before they have a chance to stick

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When Galaxies Collide: The Fate of the Milky Way

The Hubble Space Telescope shows that we’re on a collision course with the nearby Andromeda galaxy—and set to crash in about 4 billion years

A new study uses high-speed videography to examine how mosquitoes survive the impact of raindrops.

How Do Mosquitoes Fly in the Rain?

Bathynomus

The Sea Monster Bathynomus

The hulking crustacean has razor-sharp mandibles and eyes that catch the light like a cat’s. Now it has turned into a high-tech saboteur

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In Case You Missed It: the Transit of Venus

If you didn’t have a chance to see yesterday’s astronomical event, watch this NASA video to see what all the fuss is about

The previous transit of Venus in front of the sun was in 2004, pictured above. The next won't be until 2117.

How To View This Evening’s Transit of Venus

A few quick tips to keep in mind as you take advantage of the last chance to see Venus pass in front of the sun

A new study shows that over-the-counter products sold to eradicate the bed bug, shown feeding above, are relatively ineffective

Bed Bugs Are Even Peskier Than We Thought

A new study reveals that common over-the-counter bed bug eradication products are essentially ineffective

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