News
- Particle Physics
Scientists finally detected oxygen-28. Its instability surprised them
The elusive isotope was predicted to be very stable, thanks to “magic” numbers of neutrons and protons. It fell apart almost immediately.
By Elise Cutts - Health & Medicine
Doctors found a live python parasite in a woman’s brain
The infection is the first known case of the worm Ophidascaris robertsi in a person. It’s not the only type of worm that can infect human brains.
By Meghan Rosen - Climate
What’s driving an increasing number of hurricanes to rapidly intensify?
Hurricane Lee is just the latest storm to explode in power in only hours. The phenomenon is linked to a warming world.
- Animals
A little snake’s big gulp may put all other snakes to shame
The humble Gans’ egg-eater can wrap its mouth around bigger prey than any other snake of its size.
- Animals
Wild male palm cockatoos rock out with custom drumsticks
Along with flashy dances and distinctive drumbeats, these birds craft their own signature drumsticks to win over mates.
By Elise Cutts - Physics
Filipino math teacher Emma Rotor helped develop crucial WWII weapons tech
Devoted wife of a famed Filipino writer, Emma Unson Rotor worked on the proximity fuze at a U.S. agency in the 1940s.
- Animals
The world’s highest-dwelling mammal isn’t the only rodent at extreme elevation
After discovering a mouse living nearly 7,000 meters above sea level, scientists scoured other extreme environments to make sure the find wasn’t a fluke.
By Meghan Rosen - Planetary Science
Flashes in Venus’ atmosphere might be meteors, not lightning
With upcoming missions planned for Venus, scientists are eager to figure out the origin of the mysterious flashes.
By Sid Perkins - Health & Medicine
Scientists grow humanized kidneys in pig embryos
The work represents an important advance in the methods needed to grow humanized kidneys, hearts, and pancreases in animals.
By Amanda Heidt - Earth
When discussing flora and fauna, don’t forget ‘funga’
Conservation efforts often overlook fungi. That can change by using “mycologically inclusive language,” researchers say.
By Jude Coleman - Paleontology
This newfound birdlike dinosaur had surprisingly long legs
Early birdlike dinosaurs are mostly short-limbed and thought to have lived in trees, but Fujianvenator prodigiosus may have run or waded in swamps.
By Nikk Ogasa - Animals
A new DNA leaf swab technique could revolutionize how we monitor biodiversity
Simple swabs of just 24 leaves in Uganda’s Kibale National Park provided a genetic snapshot of 52 animals in the tropical forest.