News
- Life
Pneumonia drugs helped evolve a superbug
As told through DNA from historical samples, a deadly bacterium reveals how it developed the ability to evade antibiotics and a vaccine.
- Humans
Hints of earlier human exit from Africa
New finds suggest surprisingly early migrations by Homo sapiens out of Africa through an oasis-studded Arabia.
By Bruce Bower - Earth
Dispersants persisted after BP spill
Chemicals used to break up oil remained in the Gulf’s depths months after being released, an analysis shows.
By Janet Raloff - Tech
Pint-sized Princess Leia nearer reality
Faster but fuzzier holographic 3-D teleconferencing debuts.
- Chemistry
What DNA does when it stretches
The molecule of life has some interesting elastic properties that have scientists scratching their heads.
- Space
A galaxy far, far, far away
The Hubble space telescope has observed what may be the most distant celestial object ever observed 13.2 billion light-years from Earth.
By Ron Cowen - Humans
Intel Science Talent Search picks top 40
High school researchers to present original work in Washington, D.C.
- Life
Deadly for bugs, perfect for bat naps
A death chamber for insects, the interior of a carnivorous pitcher plant doubles as a cozy daytime roost for small, flying woolly mammals.
By Susan Milius - Health & Medicine
Mass vaccination could slow cholera
Immunizing people at the outset of an outbreak would limit the number of cases and deaths, an analysis finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Math
Unnatural selection
Inflicting damage on targeted species can help preserve perturbed ecosystems.
- Health & Medicine
U.S. lags in life expectancy gains
Among developed countries, Americans spend the most on health care even as they fall behind in extending longevity, a new study finds.
By Nathan Seppa - Space
Fresh pics of Mars’ groovy moon
New close-up images of Phobos will help determine the landing site for the first craft slated to touch down there.
By Ron Cowen