Feature

  1. Plants

    Why Turn Red?

    Why leaves turn red is a stranger question than why they turn yellow.

    By Susan Milius
  2. Physics

    The Physics of Fizz

    Toasting a burst of discovery about bubbles in champagne and beer.

    By Peter Weiss
  3. Math

    Prime Pursuit

    A novel approach for identifying prime numbers provides a long-sought improvement in the theoretical efficiency of prime-detecting algorithms.

    By Ivars Peterson
  4. Math

    Changes of Mathematical State

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

    By Ivars Peterson

  5. 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
  6. Earth

    Shifting Sands

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

    By Sid Perkins

  7. The Meaning of Life

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

    By Tina Hesman Saey

  8. Cries and Greetings

    Baboon intimacy and detachment present vexing clues.

    By Bruce Bower
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Chemistry

    Mosquito Magnets

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

    By Corinna Wu
  12. Health & Medicine

    Loosen Up

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

    By John Travis