News

  1. Earth

    Pole flips tied to plate tectonics

    A lopsided arrangement of continents could lead to reversals in Earth's magnetic field.

    By Alexandra Witze
  2. Life

    Penguins may sniff out relatives

    A zoo study sees hints of odor-based kin recognition in colony-dwelling birds.

    By Susan Milius
  3. Life

    XMRV tie to chronic fatigue debunked

    A virus that was tied to the mysterious syndrome by 2009 research appears to have been a laboratory contaminant.

    By Laura Sanders
  4. 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
  5. Chemistry

    Science gets the deets on DEET

    New research demonstrates how insect repellent may mix up mosquitoes’ smelling machinery.