News
- Health & Medicine
Mutations may underlie some stuttering
Defects in three genes governing basic cell metabolism are found in a portion of cases, researchers find.
By Nathan Seppa - Space
Bouncing sands explain Mars’ rippled surface
A new study finds that dunes and ridges can form without much wind on the Red Planet.
- Anthropology
Ancient DNA points to additional New World migration
Scientists have extracted a nearly complete genome from the hairs of a 4,000-year-old man, suggesting a new scenario for Asian migrations into the New World.
By Bruce Bower - Space
A new VISTA on stellar birthplace
A high-resolution panoramic image of the Orion star-forming region bodes well for the success of a new telescope dedicated to surveying large areas of the cosmos at infrared wavelengths.
By Ron Cowen - Health & Medicine
Inflammatory bowel disease hikes blood clots
Study finds people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis have greatest risk during painful episodes.
By Nathan Seppa - Materials Science
A charge for freezing water at different temperatures
Experiments use positive and negative forces to control ice formation at temperatures well below the normal freezing point.
- Science & Society
In Memoriam: In life and death, a scientist brings out the best in others
BLOG: Science News reporter Bruce Bower describes how relationship researchers gathered to honor Caryl Rusbult’s influential career after her recent death.
By Bruce Bower - Space
Pluto blushes red
Newly released Hubble images of Pluto show an abrupt and unexplained color change.
By Ron Cowen - Life
Sperm’s pore propulsion
Scientists identify a key proton channel that helps explain the dash to fertilization.
- Health & Medicine
Protein clumps like a prion, but proves crucial for long-term memory
Study in slugs hints that some molecular 'misbehavior' in neurons may help solidify learning.
- Earth
Oldest feathered dino shows its colors
Analysis of a fossil suggests plumage first evolved for display, not flight.
By Sid Perkins - Earth
Florida’s big chill may have hammered corals near shore
January cold snap caused rare wintertime coral bleaching and die-offs for Florida’s coral reefs.
By Susan Milius