Feature

  1. Math

    Changes of Mathematical State

    Untangling a web of conflicting demands can be tough on computers.

    By Ivars Peterson

  2. Spreading Consciousness

    A reanalysis of brain-imaging data links conscious visual experience to activity patterns throughout the brain, challenging the popular view that specific brain areas coordinate this mental state.

    By Bruce Bower
  3. Earth

    Shifting Sands

    Sand dunes can provide scientists with clues about ancient patterns of wind and precipitation.

    By Sid Perkins

  4. The Meaning of Life

    Computers are unscrambling genomes to reveal the secrets in DNA codes.

    By Tina Hesman Saey

  5. Cries and Greetings

    Baboon intimacy and detachment present vexing clues.

    By Bruce Bower
  6. Chemistry

    Hydrogen: The Next Generation

    Researchers are looking for more sustainable ways to generate hydrogen, which burns cleanly but is typically made from fossil fuel.

    By Jessica Gorman
  7. Earth

    Clipping the Fin Trade

    New research and policy developments aim to curb the wasteful and gruesome practice of killing sharks solely for their fins.

    By Janet Raloff
  8. Chemistry

    Mosquito Magnets

    Your skin chemicals lure blood-sucking insects to their next meal.

    By Corinna Wu
  9. Health & Medicine

    Loosen Up

    Bacterial toxin may lead to less painful treatments for diabetes and brain cancer.

    By John Travis
  10. Health & Medicine

    Taking a Break

    Can interrupting their treatment benefit HIV-infected people?

    By Damaris Christensen
  11. Tech

    Ribbon to the Stars

    Advances in one of the tiniest of technologies—carbon nanotubes—is bringing the concept of a space elevator closer to reality.

    By Ron Cowen

  12. A Man’s Job

    Sperm contain an unexpected payload of RNA, a discovery offering insight into infertility, cloning, and contraception.

    By John Travis