All Stories
- Genetics
Bats in China carry all the ingredients to make a new SARS virus
Viruses infecting bats could recombine to re-create SARS.
- Animals
Jackpot of fossilized pterosaur eggs unearthed in China
A treasure trove of pterosaur eggs and embryos gives tantalizing clues to the winged reptile’s early development.
- Animals
Studying giant tortoise flips without tipping the animals over is a delicate business
Giant tortoise shells go domed or saddlebacked, but which is better when navigating treacherous ground?
- Humans
50 years ago, folate deficiency was linked to birth defects
50 years ago, scientists found that a lack of folic acid in pregnant women could cause birth defects. But now, how much is too much?
- Science & Society
Would you opt to see the future or decipher the past?
Acting Editor in Chief Elizabeth Quill wonders what it would be like if scientists could see into the past and the future.
- Life
Readers debate ethics of resurrecting extinct species
Readers raised questions about using gene editing tools to bring species back from the dead.
- Neuroscience
Scientists are seeking new strategies to fight multiple sclerosis
Facing so many unknowns about multiple sclerosis, researchers explore the immune system, the neurons and the gut to fight the disease.
- Anthropology
Strong-armed women helped power Europe’s ancient farming revolution
Intensive manual labor gave ancient farm women arms that female rowers today would envy.
- Science & Society
First controlled nuclear chain reaction achieved 75 years ago
The anniversary of the first controlled nuclear chain reaction marks an achievement of immigrants who served America in World War II.
- Animals
Here’s yet more evidence that the mythical yeti was probably a bear
A more complete genetic analysis amps up the evidence that the legendary creatures known as yetis are actually bears.
- Health & Medicine
Testosterone may be one reason why men don’t get asthma as much as women
Adult women have higher rates of asthma than men, and testosterone’s effect on the immune system may partly explain that difference.
- Animals
Most blue whales are ‘righties,’ except for this one move
Though many blue whales tend to be “right-handed” when hunting for krill, one specific barrel roll move requires a lefty twist.
