Notebook

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, enzyme injections showed promise for treating a rare disease

Enzyme replacement can offer relief to people with rare diseases. Now, scientists have found a way to treat one disease before a person is even born.

Animals

This marine biologist is on a mission to save endangered rays

Jessica Pate and the Florida Manta Project confirm that endangered mantas are mating and sicklefin devils are migrating along the East Coast.

Plants

Ultrasound reveals trees’ drought-survival secrets

Scientists used ultrasound sensors and electrical probes to reveal how drought affects the tissues of living trees.

Tech

50 years ago, a balloon circumnavigated the world for science

A 1973 high-altitude flight kicked off an era of useful stratospheric balloon science. Some scientists worry that heightened concerns over alleged spy balloons might hamper that.

Health & Medicine

50 years ago, air pollution was linked to more reports of animal bites

Scientists spent decades tying air pollution to health and behavior problems. Now, there’s more evidence that dirty air influences aggression in animals.

Math

Here’s a peek into the mathematics of black holes

The universe tells us slowly rotating black holes are stable. A nearly 1,000-page proof confirms it.

Oceans

50 years ago, researchers discovered a leak in Earth’s oceans

An analysis of oceanic rocks hinted that ocean water drains into Earth’s mantle. How much makes it back into the ocean remains unclear.

Anthropology

Two scientists’ trek showed how people of Chaco Canyon may have hauled logs

By carrying a log with the aid of head straps called tumplines, the duo demoed how people may have hauled timbers to Chaco about 1,000 years ago.

Neuroscience

‘Mommy brain’ doesn’t capture how the brain transforms during pregnancy

During the transition to motherhood, there's more going on than “momnesia,” neuroscientists argue. The brain changes to prep for the job of caregiving

Environment

Air pollution made an impression on Monet and other 19th century painters

The impressionist painting style can be partly explained by the reality of rising air pollution from the industrial revolution, an analysis finds.

Space

50 years ago, Earth’s chances of contacting E.T. looked slim

In 1973, a researcher calculated that it could take millions of years to contact aliens. But that hasn’t stopped scientists from trying.

Oceans

50 years ago, scientists discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

In 1973, plastic bottles adrift in the North Pacific alarmed scientists. Fifty years later, more than 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic litter the area.