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Rivers in the sky

Atmospheric bands of water vapor can cause flooding and extreme weather

In the Zone

Evolution may have trained the mind to see scoring streaks — even where they don't exist.

Sizing up the Electron

Measuring the inner shape of the famous particle could help solve a cosmic mystery.

Alphabet of Life

Searching for clues to the genetic code's origin.

Meet the Growbots

Social robots take baby steps toward humanlike smarts.

Making Nuanced Memories

New nerve cells help the brain tell similar experiences apart.

Worming Your Way to Better Health

To battle autoimmune disease and allergy, scientists tune in to the tricks of parasites.

Young’uns adrift on the sea

Scientists try to identify and track elusive larvae in a boundless ocean.

Physicists join immune fight

Principles beyond biology may help explain how the body battles infection.

Liquid Acquisition

Two new scenarios ramp up debate over how Earth got its water.

2010 Science News of the Year: Science & Society

Credit: Ayimages/Istockphoto Vaccine link to autism dismissed In February, Lancet formally retracted a 1998 study that had kindled a storm of opposition to vaccines (SN Online: 2/3/10). The research suggested that autism arose in a handful of children after the kids received shots to prevent measles, mumps and rubella. The study’s lead author committed several […]

2010 Science News of the Year: Nutrition

Credit: Krasowit/Shutterstock Fish oil packs a punch Omega-3 fatty acids are turning up in plenty of promising reports, but some tests fail to show a benefit. Reported anti-inflammatory effects of the compound may help to shake out just how these nutrients boost health. High levels of omega-3s are found in fish oil from cold-water species […]