News
- Humans
Humans reached Asia in two waves
New genetic data show that some early migrants interbred with a mysterious Neandertal sister group.
By Bruce Bower - Chemistry
Science gets the deets on DEET
New research demonstrates how insect repellent may mix up mosquitoes’ smelling machinery.
- Health & Medicine
Ringing in ears may have deeper source
Tinnitus results from the brain’s effort to compensate for hearing loss, a study concludes.
- Health & Medicine
Preterm infants show mortality risks as children, adults
Death rates are higher in preemies than full-term babies when these people reach early adulthood, a large study finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Health & Medicine
Brain may sabotage efforts to lose weight
The brains of obese people act hungry whether their bodies are or not.
By Janet Raloff - Earth
Pacific volcanoes share split personality
The dual chemistry of island chains reflects variations in the distribution of ancient material bubbling up from deep within the Earth.
- Psychology
Same face, different person
Photos of a stranger’s mug can look like many unfamiliar people to an observer, complicating facial recognition research.
By Bruce Bower - Space
On Kepler-16b, shadows come in pairs
Astronomers discover a planet that orbits a pair of stars.
By Nadia Drake - Health & Medicine
NSAIDs may be risky early in pregnancy
Women who take common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the first trimester could be endangering fetus, a study finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Chemistry
Molecular muscle gets the job done
Chemists solve a stubborn problem by resorting to strong-arm tactics.
- Life
Dinosaur-era feathers sealed in amber
The richest collection yet of primordial plumage preserves pigment and fine details found modern birds.
By Susan Milius - Earth
Summer Arctic melt among worst ever
With no obvious weather pattern to explain this year’s near-record annual ice retreat, generally warming climate appears to be the culprit.