Notebook

Animals

How death’s-head hawkmoths manage to fly straight for miles in the dark

By tailing death’s-head hawkmoths in an airplane, scientists have found that the nocturnal insects appear to navigate using an internal compass.

Tech

50 years ago, genes eluded electron microscopes

In the 1970s, scientists dreamed of seeing genes under the microscope. Fifty years later, powerful new tools are helping to make that dream come true.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists hoped freezing donor organs would boost transplants

In the 1970s, biologists hoped to freeze organs so more could last long enough to be transplanted. Scientists are now starting to manage this feat.

Chemistry

These researchers are unlocking Renaissance beauty secrets

An art historian has teamed up with chemists to uncover the science behind cosmetics used around 500 years ago.

Paleontology

50 years ago, the dinosaurs’ demise was still a mystery 

In 1972, scientists blamed dinosaur biology for the reptiles’ demise. Years later, researchers ID’d the real killer: an apocalyptic asteroid.

Earth

50 years ago, a new theory of Earth’s core began solidifying

In 1972, scientists proposed that Earth’s core formed as the planet came together. Fifty years later, that theory is generally accepted, though many mysteries about the core remain.

Animals

50 years ago, eels’ navigation skills electrified scientists

Excerpt from the June 24, 1972 issue of Science News

Space

50 years ago, the United States and Soviet Union joined forces for science

In 1972, U.S. and Soviet leaders agreed to work together on science. Now, Russia’s war in Ukraine is straining that decades-long partnership.

Space

50 years ago, scientists had hints of a planet beyond Pluto

In 1972, calculations from Halley’s comet offered evidence of another planet. Today’s astronomers are still searching for a Planet Nine.

Psychology

Latin America defies cultural theories based on East-West comparisons

Theories for how people think in individualist versus collectivist nations stem from East-West comparisons. Latin America challenges those theories.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, scientists were seeking the cause of psoriasis

In the 1970s, scientists found a link between a chemical messenger and psoriasis, a complex inflammatory skin disorder.

Plants

These flowers lure pollinators to their deaths. There’s a new twist on how

Some jack-in-the-pulpit plants may use sex to lure pollinators. That's confusing for male fungus gnats — and deadly.