News
- Physics
‘Atomtronics’ may be the new ‘electronics’
A research team has created a quantum circuit that may help lead to the development of a new class of devices.
By Devin Powell - Tech
The numbers prove it: This is a data age
An assessment of the world’s computing capacity documents a staggering rise in power and storage since 1986.
- Humans
Lucy’s feet were made for walking
A 3.2-million-year-old toe fossil suggests a humanlike gait for an ancient hominid.
By Bruce Bower - Life
Moonless twilight may cue mass spawning
Subtle color shifts on the nights just after the full moon might synchronize the release of gametes by corals and other marine creatures.
By Susan Milius - Life
Fleas leap from feet, not knees
After years of scratching their heads over the question of exactly how the impressive jumpers launch themselves, scientists find an answer.
- Health & Medicine
Prenatal surgery may be preferable for spina bifida
Performing an operation preterm shows better results against the neural tube defect than waiting until the baby is born, but there are trade-offs, a new study shows.
By Nathan Seppa - Life
Small part of brain itching for a fight
A cluster of cells compels aggressive behavior in mice.
- Life
Buried microbes coax energy from rock
In experiments, microorganisms can stimulate minerals to produce hydrogen, a key fuel for growth in a thriving subterranean world.
- Humans
Adaptive no more
A potential benefit in prehistoric lean times, genetic variant may increase risk of gestational diabetes today.
- Health & Medicine
Allergic to cancer
Having an overactive immune system may protect against certain types of brain tumor, a study suggests.
- Space
The sun, captured from all the angles
NASA reveals the first 360-degree panorama of the sun, which should enable early detection of potentially damaging solar storms.
By Ron Cowen - Earth
Extinctions breed carbon chaos
Massive die-off left ecosystems vulnerable, an analysis suggests.