News

  1. Nicotine metabolism may spawn carcinogen

    The body may metabolize nicotine into products that the lungs subsequently may convert into a potent compound that causes lung cancer.

    By John Travis
  2. Animals

    Dull birds and bright ones beat so-so guys

    The plumage of yearling male lazuli buntings shows signs of a rare form of evolutionary pressure called disruptive selection.

    By Susan Milius
  3. Astronomy

    Are most extrasolar planets hefty imposters?

    A new study makes the startling claim that nearly half the objects reported to be extrasolar planets are something much more massive and mundane—either lightweight stars or stellar wannabes known as brown dwarfs.

    By Ron Cowen
  4. Health & Medicine

    Study bolsters head injury, Alzheimer’s link

    Veterans who suffered a moderate or severe concussion during World War II face a heightened risk of Alzheimer's disease when they reach old age.