Feature

  1. Math

    Chaotic Chomp

    A new, physics-based approach to analyzing simple games, such as Chomp and Nim, reveals changing geometric patterns reminiscent of crystal growth.

    By Ivars Peterson

  2. Bringing Up Baby’s DNA

    Researchers are developing ways to harvest babies' genes in less invasive ways.

    By Christen Brownlee
  3. Physics

    Out of Sight

    Shields that confer invisibility on objects and people may be on the horizon.

    By Peter Weiss
  4. Tech

    Smells Like the Real Thing

    Chemical sensors that take cues from the mammalian pattern-based approach to identifying odors and flavors create colorful readouts that even the eyes can distinguish.

    By Aimee Cunningham
  5. Earth

    Dirty Little Secret

    Recognition is growing that many communities have soils laced with asbestos, which has prodded several federal agencies to probe the hazards they might pose.