Notebook

Earth

Eruptions create new islands in the Red Sea

Satellite maps reveal the formation of two new volcanic islands in the Red Sea.

Plants

Fifty years ago, ethylene research ripened

In 1965, scientists realized ethylene was the molecule that ripens fruit.

Health & Medicine

One in 10 people with tattoos experience rashes, scarring or other problems

Tattoos carry risk of long-term rash; red ink may be most irritating color.

Genetics

Genes and environment balance each other

Genes and environment have equal influence on human traits.

Astronomy

Brightest galaxy discovered

The brightest known galaxy is about 350 trillion times as bright as the sun, and a supermassive black hole is to blame.

Science & Society

Here’s what game theory says about how to win in semifinals

Game theory informs competitors facing off in a semifinal whether to go all out or save energy for the final.

Genetics

A billion years of evolution doesn’t change some genes

Human genes can substitute for 47 percent of essential genes in baker’s yeast, new research shows.

Animals

Pandas’ gut bacteria resemble carnivores’

Unlike other vegetarians, the bamboo eaters lack plant-digesting microbes.

Animals

Vampire squid take mommy breaks

The vampire squid again defies its sensationalist name with a life in the slow lane.

Astronomy

First quasar quartet discovered

A quartet of quasars seen in the early universe may mark where a massive galaxy cluster is starting to form.

Animals

Early research asked whether cats dream

Early research asked whether cats dream; researchers still don’t know definitively.

Astronomy

Erupting volcanoes may cause exoplanet’s temperature extremes

Temperatures fluctuate wildly on a nearby exoplanet, and volcanoes might be the culprit.