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Physics

These insects fly with their legs. Physics explains how

Phantom crane flies change the angle of their splayed legs to increase or reduce drag, helping them navigate varying winds.

Archaeology

Neandertals made antibacterial ointment, but may not have known it

A team of scientists re-created the way Neandertals made birch tar and found its antibacterial properties could fight off skin infections.

Space

In a rare event, the moon got a massive new crater

A crater as wide as two American football fields formed in spring 2024, a size expected roughly once a century. A NASA orbiter got to watch.

Animals

Female giant rainforest mantises grow up to strike harder than males

Scientists tracked mantis strike force from youth to adulthood, showing females eventually hit far harder than males. Why is a mystery.

Chemistry

Long nails don’t work on touchscreens. An experimental polish could help

Proton movement in the nail polish probably activates the touchscreen, but the formula isn’t ready to hit shelves yet.

Health & Medicine

Amid vaccine policy whiplash, here’s how a pediatrician talks to families

A court ruling that blocks Trump administration vaccine policy is a win for science. But much work remains to rebuild trust in vaccines.

Space

How realistic is Project Hail Mary?

Ryan Gosling is on a mission to save the sun — and Earth — from star-killing microbes. Science News dissects the science behind the sci-fi movie.

Plants

Check out 6 ways orchids use tricks to reproduce

This spring, these six orchids will lure pollinators with mimicry, scent or other unusual strategies.

Animals

Mosquitoes get the ‘I’m full’ signal from their butts, not their brains

Mosquitoes stop feeding because signals from rectal cells tell them they’re full, offering a target for preventing human bites.

Health & Medicine

GLP-1 microdosers are chasing longevity

Experimenters hope to harness the powerful effects of medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy at doses smaller than those studied most.