News
- Paleontology
Earth’s largest ape went extinct 100,000 years earlier than once thought
Habitat changes drove the demise of Gigantopithecus blacki, a new study reports. The find could hold clues for similarly imperiled orangutans.
- Paleontology
The real culprit in a 19th century dinosaur whodunit is finally revealed
Contrary to the stories handed down among paleontologists, creationism wasn’t to blame for the destruction of Central Park’s dinosaurs.
- Life
Here’s how poison dart frogs safely hoard toxins in their skin
A protein found in frog bodies may help the amphibians collect and transport toxins from their food to their skin for chemical defense.
- Physics
Here’s the science behind the burbling sound of water being poured
The height of the pour and the thickness of the stream help determine the loudness of the falling water.
- Health & Medicine
The teen brain is especially susceptible to the harms of THC
Marijuana that’s higher in THC and concentrated cannabis products may pose even higher risks of addiction and psychosis.
- Anthropology
Ancient primates’ unchipped teeth hint that they ate mostly fruit
Of more than 400 teeth collected, just 21 were chipped, suggesting that early primate diets were soft on their choppers.
- Space
Why the 2024 total solar eclipse will be such a big deal
The sun will be very active during the next solar eclipse to cross North America, making it an excellent viewing and scientific opportunity.
- Planetary Science
Salt may have carved out Mercury’s terrains, including glacierlike features
Mercury may contain a planetwide cache of salt that has sculpted chaotic terrain and possibly even habitable niches.
- Physics
Here’s how much fruit you can take from a display before it collapses
About 10 percent of the fruit in a tilted market display can be removed before it all crashes down, computer simulations show.
- Life
Bacteria fossils hold the oldest signs of machinery needed for photosynthesis
Microfossils from Australia suggest that cyanobacteria evolved structures for oxygen-producing photosynthesis by 1.78 billion years ago.
- Health & Medicine
Fetuses make a protein that causes morning sickness in pregnancy
A hormone called GDF15 triggers a part of the brain involved in nausea and vomiting, a new study finds. Blocking its action may lead to treatments.
- Science & Society
Most people say self-control is the same as willpower. Researchers disagree
Psychologists say self-control is about planning ahead to avoid relying on willpower in the moment. Laypeople see things differently.
