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Archaeology

A technique borrowed from ecology hints at hundreds of lost medieval legends

An ecology-based statistical approach may provide a storybook ending for efforts to gauge ancient cultural diversity.

Computing

Artificial intelligence challenges what it means to be creative

Computer programs can mimic famous artworks, but struggle with originality and lack self-awareness.

Oceans

Sunlight helps clean up oil spills in the ocean more than previously thought

Solar radiation dissolved as much as 17 percent of the surface oil slick spilled after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion, a new study suggests.

Science & Society

Nudge theory’s popularity may block insights into improving society

Small interventions that influence people’s behavior can be tested. But the real world requires big, hard-to-measure changes too, scientists say.

Quantum Physics

‘From Data to Quanta’ defends Niels Bohr’s view of quantum mechanics

In his new book, philosopher Slobodan Perović corrects misconceptions about physicist Niels Bohr’s work.

Health & Medicine

Chewing sugar-free gum reduced preterm births in a large study

Among 10,000 women in Malawi, those who chewed xylitol gum daily had fewer preterm births compared with women who didn’t chew the gum.

Astronomy

How ‘hot Jupiters’ may get their weirdly tight orbits

Gravitational kicks from other planets and stars can send giant worlds into orbits that bring them close to their suns.

Physics

Freshwater ice can melt into scallops and spikes

Ice submerged in liquid water can melt into three different shapes, depending on the water’s temperature.

Planetary Science

These are the first visible-light images of Venus’ surface captured from space

Cameras aboard NASA’s Parker Solar Probe managed to peer through Venus’ thick clouds to photograph the planet’s surface.

Planetary Science

50 years ago, Arecibo got an unprecedented view of Venus’ surface

Over its 57-year lifetime, Arecibo’s radar system measured the mountains around Venus’ middle, studied the textures of many rocky bodies in outer space and more.

Genetics

Gene therapies for sickle cell disease come with hope and challenges

Pediatrician Erica Esrick discusses existing sickle cell treatments and an ongoing clinical trial.

Animals

A diamondlike structure gives some starfish skeletons their strength

Electron microscope images of knobby starfish’s calcite skeletons reveal an unexpected architecture that compensates for the mineral’s brittleness.